Jorginho: Sometimes you need to adapt

Jorginho put in an immense performance in the middle of the park against Newcastle on Sunday, typifying our spirited display at St James’ Park.

The Italian – making his second start in a week – led the way for us in terms of chances created (2), passes completed (44), total touches (70) and possession won (9). He also supplied the pass to Martin Odegaard for our opening goal.

Afterwards he said he was proud of the way the team stood up to be counted in a physical encounter.

“It’s a massive win,” he told Arsenal Media. “We knew it was a tough game coming here and winning the way we did, but sometimes you know you have to fight a lot to get the three points. I’m just so proud of the team, the way we fought until the end, the way we pushed.

“Just realising that sometimes you can’t just play beautiful football, sometimes you need to adapt, and that’s why I’m really proud of the team, because when you realise that and you adapt and you do what maybe everyone doesn’t expect, it’s just really, really good for our team and well deserved.”

The midfielder also praised his teammate Martin Odegaard, who continued his excellent run of form with another goal, making it 15 for the season.

“He’s just a really clever player and makes so many things easier on the pitch for his teammates. Such a good character as well, humble, works a lot for the team. To be fair the whole group is like this, it’s just so nice.”

After back-to-back starts, our January signing said he is enjoying his football, but his focus remains on the challenges ahead.

“The most important thing is the team, not myself," he added. "If I can contribute to the team I’m really happy, and even when I don't play I try to contribute from the bench speaking with the boys, what I see from the outside.

“The right way to move forward is for everyone to help your teammate to get the points, to get the win, when you win games, you are happy, that’s what we try to do. It doesn’t matter who’s on the pitch, we just need to try to win games.”