‘He can’t do it’: Darren Bent has heaped criticism on Arsenal midfielder Jorginho

Ahead of Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, Darren Bent told TalkSPORT on Wednesday (5.25PM) that Jorginho cannot cope when a game becomes “frantic”, he cannot cope with the pressure. Jorginho lasted the entire 90 minutes.

The 31-year-old was handed his first start for the Gunners on Wednesday night, with Thomas Partey missing through injury. He lasted the entire 90 minutes, but he failed to stop the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva starring.

In fact, it was De Bruyne gave City the lead – after a mistake from Takehiro Tomiyasu. Bukayo Saka equalised from the penalty spot. But Manchester City improved in the second 45, with Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland finding the net.

Speaking before the defeat to Manchester City, Bent was concerned by Jorginho. Bought for a bargain fee of just £12m, Jorginho is renowned for his ability on the ball – but it is his impact off the ball that concerns Arsenal fan Bent.

“When we’ve got the ball and we’re passing it around, I’ve got no problem with Jorginho whatsoever. But when it starts to get frantic and we’re under pressure – he can’t do it,” Bent told TalkSPORT when discussing Arsenal signing Jorginho.

BENT: ARSENAL PLAYER JORGINHO CANNOT COPE WHEN GAME BECOMES FRANTIC

If anything Wednesday night proved us regarding Jorginho, it is that Partey is crucial to this Arsenal side. His ability to get around the pitch, his athleticism, his physicality are key. Jorginho cannot offer those kind of traits at Arsenal.

While Jorginho might be better on the ball than Partey, the Ghanaian is not particularly in the team for his playmaking ability. He has Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard alongside him to do that. Jorginho struggled as City secured a win.

Arsenal now sit second in the Premier League. While they have a game in hand over Manchester City, the pressure is on. Arsenal go to Aston Villa, while Manchester City are away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.