Mikel Arteta stuck with his midfield from the win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday in order to face the far tougher test of Newcastle on Sunday afternoon. Jorginho maintained his position in the starting XI over Thomas Partey who for so long seemed an undroppable figure.
However, the Ghanaian has experienced some difficult fixtures in the middle of the park, particularly against West Ham and Manchester City which Arsenal dropped points in. Jorginho’s return to face his former side demonstrated the composure that had been lacking for some time and it was again evident at St James’ Park.
The Italian was signed to many supporters’ frustration after sporting director Edu Gaspar’s primary plan to try for both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo failed to materialise. However, the swift pivot to the now former Chelsea man before the window closed has proven a smart move which consolidates the success of Leandro Trossard and now the late-season bloomer, Jakub Kiwior.
