Gary Neville shared a bold and controversial opinion on Arsenal’s midfield during the Gunners’ 2-0 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
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While Martin Ødegaard, Thomas Partey, and Declan Rice started in the midfield, it was Jorginho’s name that came up in Neville’s live watchalong on The Overlap.
The Arsenal midfielder, who moved from Chelsea for £12m in the summer of 2023, has often played a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta, but Neville believes that Arsenal play better when Jorginho is in the starting lineup, replacing Partey.
“Controversial opinion, but I think Arsenal are better when Jorginho plays instead of Thomas Partey,” Neville said. “We saw it last year when Arteta brought him into that holding position. He gets Arsenal playing in that role. He knows how to play that position, and Rice has the legs to cover around him.”
Neville’s remarks seemed to resonate with former Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who agreed with the assessment. Wright noted that Jorginho’s presence in the starting XI could have allowed Partey to come on later in the match as a substitute, suggesting he could have contributed more after Jorginho ran out of steam.
Despite a slow first half in the match, Arsenal emerged victorious after two goals from corners in the second half. The win helped reduce Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League.
Ex-Arsenal defender Lee Dixon also weighed in on the game, praising Manchester United’s disciplined performance in the first half. However, Dixon acknowledged that Arsenal’s improved energy after halftime, including the added zest in their passing and set pieces, made the difference in the end.
With this victory, Arsenal continued their chase for the Premier League title, closing the gap behind the leaders Liverpool, who were held to a 3-3 draw by Newcastle United.
