Arsenal were weak without Partey. But Jorginho is a great substitute, Campbell thinks

Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka excellent, but their understudy a big uncertainty. Neither Sambi Lokonga nor Mohamed Elneny have convinced that they can deputise regularly for Arsenal in the Premier League. So management brought in Jorginho, who looks excellent.

Arsenal have made an excellent start to the season thanks to the centre pairing of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka. While the strikers (especially Bukayo Saka) were warming up, there was a wall in the middle of the pitch through which nothing was getting through.

Partey has been given time off in domestic and European cups, not least because of his long-term injury proneness. And although the Gunners were winning comparatively, they were struggling game by game without the ancient shield.

“Usually when Partey is not in the line-up, something is missing in the midfield, whoever is playing. When Jorginho comes on, I don’t get that feeling,” former Arsenal player Kevin Campbell told Sky Sports.

Partey has now missed two league rounds in a row due to injury for the first time this season, with the experienced Jorginho taking his place. The winter signing came from Chelsea as the number three choice, for 12 million euros it was almost a steal for the Gunners anyway.

The Italian international balances the young squad perfectly, the players have respect for him, not least because he is a footballer who knows how difficult the road to success is. He has already won the Champions League and the Euros. And he has won new fans not only with his goal in the 3-2 set-up against Aston Villa.

“I thought Jorginho was excellent in the middle. People kept telling me he couldn’t play, that he wouldn’t run. But he’s good,” Campbell continued.

Jorginho hasn’t featured much for Chelsea since the start of the season, and his minutes have dwindled even more since the arrival of Enzo Fernandez. At Arsenal, alongside Xhaka, he orchestrates the play and withdraws between the stoppers for balls.

In Mikel Arteta’s system, which often uses a quick one-touch set-up, the Italian’s feel for the ball fits perfectly. He doesn’t panic, which is key, especially now that Arsenal are going through a bit of a crisis. However, a Jorginho fired win could change everything, at least mentally.

“You know what, for me he was unbelievable. When you have someone with that experience in the middle of the park, it helps the team a lot,” Campbell added.

Source: Sky Sports