Arsenal failed to win at Manchester City last term as they settled for a draw in their March clash – but they are now determined to win at the home of the champions as they look to finally land the Premier League
Jorginho has backed Arsenal to adopt a fresh approach when they visit the champions
Jorginho admits Arsenal have to go to Manchester City and win – with last year’s stalemate ultimately proving crucial.
The Gunners headed to the Etihad last March with the title race hotting up and settled for a point in a goalless draw. Those in red were content to leave with a share of the spoils, but come the final day of the season they missed out by just two points as City retained their crown.
Had Arsenal gone to the Manchester outfit and won they would’ve claimed the title. Two seasons ago they were hammered 4-1 and their draw was seen as a plus, but with City often so relentless the north Londoners need to take points off Pep Guardiola’s men where possible.
Jorginho, who came into the Arsenal midfield in the absence of Declan Rice in Sunday’s north London derby win, has backed the Gunners to make the trip to the Etihad and win if they want to become a champion team.
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He said: “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 right the things we are doing right. I think we are on the right way and we need to keep it going.”
Following the draw at City last term Arsenal only failed to win one of their final nine games – that being a home defeat at the hands of Aston Villa. Guardiola’s side though won every game to seize control of the title race and delivered a fourth successive league triumph.
Arsenal left Manchester with a point last term – which came back to haunt them
Arsenal left Manchester with a point last term – which came back to haunt them
Rodri cited the willingness of Arsenal to accept a draw in their clash as a major mistake, adamant that City wouldn’t be content to settle for a point against a rival.
“I think the difference is in here,” the Spaniard said, pointing to his head after they won the title in May. “It’s the mentality. When they came here and faced us here at the Etihad I saw them. These guys didn’t want to beat us, they just wanted to draw, you know? And that mentality, we wouldn’t do the same. If you give us one point we will win the last seven, eight games, even though it is tough.”
If Arsenal are to stop City then they will have to contain Erling Haaland, who has scored nine times in four games so far this term. Jorginho insists the Norwegian doesn’t hold a fear factor as he made light of his achievements. “Erling scoring again, it is starting to make us laugh!” he said.
