Jorginho has revealed Arsenal’s players just laugh off Erling Haaland’s goal scoring feats – and are refusing to allow Manchester City to get into their heads.
City striker Haaland has scored an incredible nine goals in his first four games, which is more than any other team has managed in the Premier League this season. The Gunners will go head-to-head with City next Sunday in an early showdown between two of the main title contenders.
And that will pit the Premier League’s top scorer – and scorers – against the team with the meanest defence. Arsenal conceded just 29 goals last season and have let in just one goal in their first four games. But Gunners midfielder Jorginho insists Mikel Arteta ’s men are not letting it worry them – and Haaland’s goals have become a standing joke in the Arsenal dressing room.
Jorginho said: “Erling scoring again, it is starting to make us laugh! We look because we look at all the games and we love football. We love the Premier League so we watch all the games to be fair. We watch them as well, which is normal. Again it doesn’t get to our head. We need to focus on us and that is what we are trying to do.”
Arsenal held out for a goalless draw at the Etihad last March and, incredibly, it was the last time they have failed to win an away game, having won six on the bounce since then. They actually took some stick for being too defensive in that City game last season and only playing for a draw rather than going all-out to win.
City midfielder Rodri said that highlighted the difference between the two clubs and said Arsenal’s approach ultimately cost them the title. Jorginho reiterated that Arsenal now have to try and win every single game they play and also insisted that they have an even stronger mentality than last season.
Jorginho said: “Yeah, if you want to achieve big things you need to have the mentality of trying to win every single game. That is what we need to do and that is what we want to do. That is what we are trying to do.
“You need to keep in this way. Keep believing in what you are doing. We are believing in what we are doing and we keep working hard to improve on what we need to improve and keep doing the right things we are doing right. I think we are on the right way and we need to keep it going.
“I think we have improved since last season. I think the team is working together, going through the process together. You learn more about each other. You just get better because everyone wants to improve and wants the best for the team. When you all put the team first, then I think good things can happen.”
Jorginho played his first minutes of the season as he captained Arsenal to victory in the north London derby win at Tottenham. The Italy international, 32, got his chance because Martin Odegaard was out injured and Declan Rice was suspended. They now face Atalanta in the Champions League on Thursday night before City and Jorginho says the whole squad will have to play their part if they are to be successful this season.
