Mikel Arteta’s men have recorded six wins on the bounce in the league and have been in free-scoring form. One man who has stepped up in the middle of the park in recent weeks is veteran Jorginho.
And according to Adrian Clarke, the Italian is becoming a ‘big game player’ for Arteta and is likely to start in their toughest tests before the end of the season.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Clarke discussed Jorginho’s impact for Arsenal in recent weeks.
“I thought Jorginho was also brilliant in the game at the weekend [against Newcastle] and he’s become Mikel Arteta’s big game player,” the former Arsenal man said.
“I think the league title prospects for Arsenal will be decided on how they perform at the Etihad, how they perform at Old Trafford and how they perform at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“And I have a feeling that Jorginho is going to be drafted in for most of those games.
“I know Thomas Partey is coming back to full fitness but I don’t know how you could leave Jorginho out at the moment, he’s doing a terrific job in there.
“He just adds that little bit of nous and experience alongside all these talented young players.
“They’ve got the hunger, no doubt about this young team. They’re more mature than last year.”
Jorginho has only started four league games this season but the £12 million man has done so in some of Arsenal’s most notable wins.
Indeed, he started from the off in the 1-0 win over Manchester City in October and also got the nod when Arsenal beat Liverpool 3-1 earlier this month.
It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see him start against Tottenham in April, despite Thomas Partey’s recent return.
Of course, there are plenty of games to come before the North London Derby but it already has the feel of a crucial clash in Arsenal’s season.