Jorginho has called on his Arsenal teammates to continue pushing after the draw with Nottingham Forest left them 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. While the Gunners drew a blank at the City Ground, Arne Slot’s side put in a dominant display to beat Newcastle United 2-0.
Though that gap can be reduced in March when the Reds compete in the Carabao Cup Final, it would take a considerable collapse and the Gunners to suddenly improve their attacking combinations for the title race to reignite.
As more ground was lost, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was understandably frustrated by the result. “Very disappointed not to win it. Today the standards were very different to the previous game. The energy, the willingness to make things happen. We certainly tried many different ways,” he said in a press conference.
“We dominated the game, apart from one in the second half after one or two direct free-kicks where they had something in the box and one or two giveaways that allowed them to run. Apart from that, nothing.
“With the amount of situations we generated, the moment we opened them up, we lacked certainly that final pass, the quality on that delivery and certainly more shots on target to actually win it and be more efficient.” The Gunners now have a free weekend and more time to prepare for their Champions League last-16 first leg away at PSV.
Though no one associated with Arsenal may admit it, Europe could become the main focus with Jorginho making it clear what he and others have to do in order to start winning games again.
“We need to keep pushing, we need to keep going. We need to find the solutions to score, to create more chances in the box, more shots. Everyone needs to step up and do a bit more for the team,” he brutally admitted through Arsenal’s official channels after the game.
With so many attackers absent through injury, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and others need to start contributing in front of goal especially as Liverpool midfielders are making such a huge impact with that continuing on Wednesday evening.
