Arsenal news as Gabriel Magalhaes stars against Newcastle United in a big win for Mikel Arteta’s side on Saturday night in the Premier League title race
Defender Gabriel Magalhaes is a big fan of one of his Arsenal teammates (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Both Mikel Arteta and Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes have been quick to point out Jorginho in the aftermath of the stunning 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday. The Gunners dispatched their opponents at the Emirates Stadium in remarkable fashion, dominating from start to finish, but it wasn’t just the brilliance of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz that stood out.
The pair accounted for all-but-one of the goals on the night and continued the club’s domestic form in front of goal, making it 25 scored in the past five matches. Havertz, who both scored and assisted in a league game for the first time since moving to England in 2020, added the second with Saka once more proving just how good he is as well.
However, despite former Arsenal academy midfielder Joe Willock grabbing a consolation late on for the visitors, it was another momentous day for Gabriel. He looked to have scored the opener before it was eventually given as an own goal, but looked as reassured and dominant as ever at the other end too.
In front of him and the change in set-up from Wednesday night against Porto was pairing Declan Rice with Jorginho in midfield. For just under 90 minutes it was perhaps the Italian’s best game for the club. Controlling play from deep, and allowing Rice to move into a more advanced position, Jorginho dictated the tempo of play.
It was the type of performance that entirely justified the call to sign him from Chelsea just over 12 months ago, and it didn’t go under the radar either on the day. In a glowing attacking display it was the 32-year-old that took the plaudits, as well.
“He was really good tonight, we believed it was a game for him based on the way they set up their midfield and the energy that Jorgi generates,” Arteta said after the game. “Obviously he still has to go out there and do it, but of course he did because he’s such a fantastic player.”
Arteta has heaped praise on the European champion ever since his move across London, and this was vindication for his push to bring in the midfielder. Havertz, who won the Champions League alongside Jorginho in 2021, was just as open about his admiration for the midfielder.
“I know [Jorginho] quite a lot, we’ve known each other for a long time now, so it’s always nice to play alongside him,” the German said after the game. “He knows me very well, I know his style very well and that makes life on the pitch a lot easier for me. He’s a world class player and he showed it today.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel took to social media after the game to pour yet more praise on his teammate. “What a player” he wrote with an image of the Italian.
Jorginho’s style of play is such that it is still easy for him to go largely unnoticed with glitzy stars ahead of making the headlines. However, his latest outing certainly changed that. For Arsenal, they will be hoping it’s the start of a big push to come until the end of the season.
