The Gunners raised some eyebrows when they completed a something of a surprise swoop to bring the Italy international in from their London rivals on transfer deadline day last week.

Jorginho made his debut for the north London side in Arsenal’s clash at Everton on Saturday but was unable to prevent the Gunners from slipping to a disappointing 1-0 loss at Goodison Park.

The 31-year-old was brought on as a substitute for Thomas Partey during the defeat, with Jorginho offering the Gunners a wealth of experience at the top level.

Former Newcastle United and England star Shearer reckons that Jorginho will bring some added experience to the Arsenal squad in the second half of the season as they look to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Shearer said: “Arsenal are a very, very good team with a really bright and intelligent manager in Mikel Arteta.

“I really do like the Jorginho signing. He will bring a wealth of experience and that know-how to win and to get over the line.

Jorginho (Photo: @jorginhofrello / Instagram)

“They are still going to be big questions and big times to navigate over the coming months. So who better to get in January than a guy like Jorginho who has been there and done it at every level?”

Arsenal are currently five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table with a game in hand as they eye their first top-flight title since their unbeaten triumph back in 2003-04.

And Manchester City have been in the headlines for the wrong reasons this week after they were charged with than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules following a four-year investigation.

Ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown (Photo: BT Sport)

However, former Arsenal defender Martin Keown fears that the news of the charges will only serve as motivation for the Manchester City players in the second half of the season.

“I’m pretty certain this will only galvanise the City players,” Keown told talkSPORT. “This can be used as fuel to get back to the top of the Premier League table.

“There’s a feeling that the world is against them now, the ramifications are huge. These players will want to hit back, they’ll use this as energy.

“They’ll have the best lawyers in the world against this and they’ll want to get the truth out.”

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Arsenal suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat by Sean Dyche’s Everton side at Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime, before Manchester City slumped to a 1-0 loss away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The results mean that Arsenal remain five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s men.

The defeats for the Gunners and City also allowed both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to close the gap on the top two. United now sit third in the table and eight points behind Arsenal, although they have played one game more than the north Londoners.

Spurs are currently fifth and a point behind fourth-placed Newcastle United having played a game more than the Magpies.

However, former Liverpool FC defender Carragher still thinks that it will be a two-horse race between the top two sides and he is backing Arsenal to take advantage of Manchester City’s stuttering form.

Speaking on Sky Sports on Sunday, Carragher said: “There’s still a long way to go but you’re almost waiting for Manchester City to kick in and to be the Man City we know so well.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

“It just feels like this might be the season where they’re not quite themselves, for lots of different reasons. It’s not the Man City of old.

“This idea that they’re going to do what they’ve done to Liverpool a couple of times in the title race, I’m not sure it will happen. It feels like a different Manchester City that we’re watching right now.”

He added: “There’s so long to go. Neither team should panic. There will be a lot of ups and downs. But I do think Arsenal have the edge, because they’ve been the most impressive team so far. We’re still waiting to see the real Man City but it’s not quite happening for them.

Pep Guardiola (Photo: Oleh Dubyna / depositphotos.com)

“The two games between those teams are massive but I fancy Arsenal right now.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has praised the Red Devils for their recent form – but says that Erik ten Hag’s side are not in the title race.

The Red Devils were 2-1 winners over Crystal Palace on Saturday and have won three of their last five top-flight outings under their Dutch manager.

Neville feels that the Red Devils should be praised for their upturn in form in recent weeks but does not believe they’ll have what it takes to challenge for the title.

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville said of United: “Are we in with a chance again? Look, I don’t think Manchester United will get there, I think they will fall short.

“They’re just not quite there and the Christian Eriksen injury will hurt, but they’re doing really, really well and they’re competing again. They look happy too and that’s a really big thing. You need that. From that point of view United are doing well.

“It’s not ridiculous to say they could win the title. I don’t think they will and I’ve never thought they will this season because it’s a bit early for that but I would be getting worried if I was Manchester City.

Former Manchester United star Gary Neville (Photo: Sky Sports)

“The fans will start getting worried now with the way they’re playing and the way Pep Guardiola is tinkering with the team. United look a happy bunch, City look a bit moody and need to come out of that spell.

“Man City could easily still win the league but Man United are in a good position too.”

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This will be the first league game since Sean Dyche was appointed as Frank Lampard’s successor at the Merseyside club as the Toffees look to become just the fourth team to take any points off Arsenal this season.

Everton have struggled in recent weeks and start the weekend in 19th place in the table, having lost four of their last five outings in the top flight.

Despite their poor recent form, Everton have a good recent record at home against the Gunners and are looking to make it three consecutive home league wins against the north Londoners for the first time in more than 45 years.

Arsenal start the weekend top of the Premier League table and five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand, with Pep Guardiola’s men set to face Tottenham on Sunday.

Former Manchester United defender Evra reckons that the Gunners are likely to drop points against an Everton side who will be buoyed by the appointment of their new manager.

Writing in his column for Betfair, Evra said: “This is a tough game to kick off for Sean Dyche, but I love him.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

“When you see his expression when you look at him, you know, you’re going to work hard, you’re going to bleed for the club and for the shirt. He has a philosophy of football and he’s going to get the best out of each player.

“But what a tough game. I think with Arsenal now, every time they have a little blip, even a draw, we’re going to say ‘woaahh, City are going to win the title’.

“People say Arsenal can’t even afford to draw but actually, in reality they can afford to draw, but with all the pressure, people still won’t believe Arsenal are going to win the title. People are just waiting for them to slip but I don’t see it coming.

“That being said, when you have a new manager and you take a new club all the players feel like they need to impress, they’re going to show they deserve to play. So, every time something happens. I can see this being a draw.”

Arsenal have only won two games in their last 10 Premier League visits to Goodison Park – but former Chelsea FC star Chris Sutton reckons that Mikel Arteta’s men will have enough to claim the three points and extend their lead at the top back to eight points.

Ex-Chelsea FC striker Chris Sutton (Photo: BT Sport)

“Arsenal rested a few players in their FA Cup tie against Manchester City and paid the price,” Sutton told BBC Sport. “They still played pretty well at Etihad Stadium, though, and I think they have had a really good window.

“Everton, in contrast, did not sign anyone and it looks like their new manager Sean Dyche has got a huge job on his hands to keep them up.

“We know the Goodison Park crowd will get behind the team and, the way that Dyche manages, he will be trying to extract every last ounce of effort out of his players.

“The endeavour will be there but I still don’t see Everton getting a win or even managing a draw.”

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The Gunners are currently five points clear of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand at the halfway point of the campaign as Mikel Arteta looks to steer his side to Premier League glory.

Arsenal were busy in the January transfer window and recruited Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho to bolster their squad for the second half of the campaign.

The north London side have been in excellent form this term and have only dropped points on three occasions to help them establish their impressive lead at the top of the table.

And former Manchester United defender Ferdinand feels that the Gunners have what it takes to go all the way this season.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said of the title race: “I think it’s a wrap. I’ve got to be honest, I do.

“No matter what results Arsenal get against Man City, I still think Arsenal have enough confidence, quality and calmness to take the title.”

Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

Arsenal are back in Premier League action on Saturday lunchtime when they travel to take on Everton in what will be the Toffees’ first league game since having appointed Sean Dyche as their new manager.

Manchester City, meanwhile, travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in north London on Sunday afternoon. Arsenal and Manchester City will face off in their first league meeting of the season at The Emirates on Wednesday 15 February.

Meanwhile, some eyebrows were raised at Arsenal’s move to sign Italy international Jorginho from Chelsea FC on a one-and-a-half year contract, with the option for a further year, this week.

However, the 31-year-old brings with him a wealth of experience, and former Liverpool FC midfielder Danny Murphy reckons that the move will end up paying dividends for the Gunners as they continue to chase the title in the second half of the season.

“It’s a really clever piece of business that,” Murphy told talkSPORT when asked about Arsenal’s move for Jorginho.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Marco Iacobucci / depositphotos.com)

“[Thomas] Partey is struggling a bit, he doesn’t tend to play a full season. He came off at half-time in the City game. You need some cover.

“I think he is somebody who you know will cope with any high pressure group he’s put into, whether it’s off the bench or starting. If they’re still in the race with 10 games to go – which they should be – and Partey’s injured then Jorginho comes in the team and you know what you’re going to get.

“He doesn’t quite have Partey’s physicality but knitting the game together, talking to people around him, knowing the position.

“Anyone doubting him that move, I don’t see where the scepticism comes from to be honest with you. For the price – what is it? £12m? – It’s a great piece of business that.”

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The Blues have been heavily linked with a move to sign the 22-year-old from Benfica in recent days and widespread reports on Monday suggested that the south west London club had tabled a €120m (£105.6m) bid for the Argentina international.

Should the transfer go through at that price, it would become the British transfer record signing after Manchester City paid £100m to Aston Villa for Jack Grealish back in 2021.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea FC will be able to get a deal over the line for the defensive midfielder before Tuesday’s transfer deadline – but former Manchester United defender Ferdinand reckons that Fernandez would be an excellent signing for the south west London club.

Speaking on Vibe With Five, Ferdinand said of Fernandez: “Bad player, wicked player. He’s got it. He’s a good player. I’d be surprised if he comes in and isn’t a success.

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand (Photo: BT Sport)

“He’s a top player. He was the best young player at the tournament in the World Cup I thought. He was integral for them. His passing, his composure for a young player was top, and he won’t be fazed if he handled the World Cup the way he did.

“He played at Benfica a big club in that country and the demands at the club, he’s used to pressure. The money is irrelevant if you look at it and think he could be here for five or six years. Chelsea are on a mad one.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reported to be closing in on the deadline-day signing of midfielder Jorginho from Chelsea FC.

Jorginho (Photo: @jorginhofrello / Instagram)

The Athletic is claiming that the north London club are targeting the Italy international after having so far failed in their attempts to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion.

The story, written by David Ornstein, suggests that Arsenal are now keen on recruiting Jorginho, whose contract at Chelsea FC is due to expire in the summer.

Arsenal’s cause could be helped by Chelsea FC’s proposed move to sign Fernandez from Benfica as it would push Jorginho further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, the article says.

Jorginho, 31, has scored two goals in 18 Premier League appearances for Chelsea FC so far this season.

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The fourth-round clash is something of a dress rehearsal for the Premier League meeting between the two sides at The Emirates in mid-February, with Arsenal currently leading City at the top of the table by five points with a game in hand.

The Gunners head into the game on the back of their impressive 3-2 win over Manchester United at The Emirates last Sunday after Manchester City had beaten Wolves 3-0 earlier in the day.

Mikel Arteta’s side have won four of their last five games in the Premier League and will be hoping to carry that momentum into Friday night’s showdown – but former Chelsea FC star Sutton feels that Pep Guardiola’s hosts will edge the contest.

Writing in his column for BBC Sport, Sutton said: “This is a brilliant tie to get the fourth round started and it is going to be interesting to see how both managers approach it, because they meet again in the Premier League in the middle of February.

Ex-Chelsea FC striker Chris Sutton (Photo: BT Sport)

“City boss Pep Guardiola always selects strong teams in the domestic cups, but we don’t know how big Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will go, given his side’s position at the top of the table.

“The FA Cup clearly won’t be Arteta’s priority, but his side have got so much momentum at the moment while City are still not at their fluid best.

“I am sure it will be all smiles between the pair of them beforehand, because Arteta was one of Guardiola’s assistants at City before taking the Gunners job, but this is going to be a fiercely fought contest – which I think City will edge.”

Arteta, who was previously Guardiola’s assistant coach at Manchester City, insists that Arsenal’s position as the Citizens’ main challenger for the title this season will not affect his relationship with his former boss.

Speaking at his pre-match news conference this week, the Arsenal manager underlined the important role Guardiola has played in helping to shape his career as a coach.

Asked if his relationship with Guardiola has changed now that Arsenal are fighting for the title, Arteta replied: “I always hoped that [a title challenge] was going to be the case one day, and it’s happening this season but that’s not going to change any friendship or the moments that we have, how important he is in my life or how important he is in my profession.

“We are both willing to win and defend our clubs in the best possible way, and that has always been the case since day one.”

Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah has been earning praise for his solid performances for the north London side since having been brought into the team following the injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Eddie Nketiah (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / depositphotos.com)

The 23-year-old forward has netted seven goals in his last seven appearances for the Gunners and is currently the club’s top scorer this season with nine strikes to his name.

Asked whether the forward can maintain his current form, Arteta replied: “That’s the challenge we all have, not only Eddie, to be not at that level but at a better level every single day.

“Eddie has been very consistent and I think he has surprised a few people with how he responded to the huge challenge and demands he had after Gabriel [Jesus] got injured. We are positive he can get much better, evolve and still continue to develop.”

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The 25-year-old Brazilian has not featured for the Gunners since 12 November after having picked up the problem while on international duty with Brazil at the World Cup.

The forward underwent surgery to correct the issue in early December and is now approaching the end of his rehabilitation period as he aims to return to action for the Gunners.

Despite the attacker closing in on a comeback for the Gunners, Arteta refused to place a concrete date on his return to action, although the Spaniard is hoping that it will be “weeks not months” until the forward returns.

Asked about suggestions that Gabriel Jesus could be back in action in four or five weeks, Arteta told a news conference on Wednesday: “With him I don’t know, he wants to be in next week!

“That’s obviously totally unrealistic but he’s pushing and driving everybody [in the medical team] to the limit.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositphotos.com)

“I cannot give you an answer – hopefully it’ll be weeks and not months but it was a serious injury and we need to respect that process as well.”

Arteta also went on to say that the forward is still having a positive impact amongst his players despite having been sidelined in recent weeks.

“He’s been incredible with the boys, the staff and everybody around the club,” Arteta added. “His energy and how positive he is to the boys – he’s always giving them advice and is always next to them. He’s been terrific.”

Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted that Arteta’s “passion” and “intensity” are likely to be some of the major driving forces behind the Gunners’ success this season.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Marco Iacobucci / depositphotos.com)

Wilshere – who has retired from playing and is now the north London club’s Under-18 coach – played alongside Arteta for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger and feels that the Spaniard’s energy is helping to inspire his team.

“I love his passion,” Wilshere said of Arteta in an interview with the Evening Standard. “I grew up with Arsene and Eddie [Howe], and they’re completely different coaches.

“Arsene would say: ‘That’s fine, the opposition can do what they want. As long as we do what we do, we play our game, we’ll win’. It’s a bit of arrogance, but it never came across as arrogance with Arsene. It was confidence.

“But I have never really seen anyone like Mikel, with his intensity, passion and the way he cares.”

Arsenal are set to take on Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at The Etihad on Friday night.

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The Gunners have been in impressive form in recent weeks and their recent victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have underlined their status as genuine contenders for the title.

Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit five points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the table with a game in hand as they look to win the trophy for the first time since 2004.

Former Manchester United striker Saha feels that the Gunners have what it takes to go all the way in the title race this season following their impressive 3-2 win over Manchester United at the weekend.

Speaking to Betfred, Saha said of Arsenal: “They look really good. They’re in a great position and have a game in hand, so it’s hard to see them drop many, many points.

“They’ve still got a number of crucial games left, but they showed on Sunday against Manchester United that they’re very concentrated, very professional and they can remain at the top of the table.

“It would be nice for the Premier League to see Arsenal upset the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, who’ve been at the top for the last four or five years.”

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositohotos.com)

Saha, 44, is also tipping Manchester United to secure a top-four finish in Erik ten Hag’s first campaign in charge.

Manchester United have been showing encouraging signs of progress under Ten Hag in recent weeks – they currently sit three points ahead of fifth-placed Spurs with a game in hand – and Saha feels they’ll have enough momentum to finish in the top four.

The ex-forward reckons that the current top four or Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Manchester United will make up the four teams to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Asked for his top-four prediction, Saha said: “I believe it will be Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United, the four sides who occupy those positions at the moment.

“You can see Manchester United finishing either second or third because they’re playing very well at the moment. I believe it will be those four sides and I have no doubt about it. Newcastle have done tremendously well this season and deserve to be in the Champions League.

“It will also provide them with a boost for their recruitment over the summer and it’s good for the Premier League.”

Arsenal have already made two signings in the January transfer window to bolster their squad – forward Leandro Trossard from Brighton and defender Jakub Kiwior from Spezia.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes feels that the Gunners was impressed by Arsenal’s move to sign 28-year-old Trossard – and he feels that a few more additions before the end of the month would help to greatly boost the north London club’s title hopes.

Former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes (Photo: ChinaImages / Imagine China Limited / depositphotos.com)

“When you are going for titles, you need strong squads, you need players who can come in and replace players,” Scholes is quoted as saying by Metro. “Those players that come in might not always be as good as the starters, but they might even be better from the bench.

“When Leandro Trossard came on for Gabriel Martinelli [against Manchester United], I didn’t think it weakened Arsenal, it really didn’t. So I think Trossard is a great signing. Two or three more would really boost this team to go on and win the Premier League.”

Arsenal are in FA Cup action on Friday night when they take on Manchester City away from home in the fourth round.

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The Belgian striker produced a bright cameo display when he came on for the final eight minutes of Arsenal’s thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester United at The Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

It was the 28-year-old’s first appearance for the Gunners following his move to the north London club from Brighton and Hove Albion last week.

With Gabriel Jesus still sidelined, Trossard will offer Arsenal more attacking options in the coming weeks as Mikel Arteta’s men look to sustain their Premier League title challenge.

And Gunners forward Martinelli was pleased to see the club complete a move to bring Trossard to The Emirates this month.

Speaking to ESPN Brasil (via Metro), Martinelli said of Trossard: “He’ll be a very important player for us. We know his quality.

“He did very well at Brighton and will certainly help a lot. And we are trying to welcome him in the best possible way so that he can be calm and show his football.”

Trossard scored seven goals and made two assists in 16 Premier League games for Brighton this season before his switch to Arsenal last week.

Arsenal are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with a game in hand over second-placed Manchester City.

They are set to take on Everton, Brentford and Manchester City in their next three Premier League games, and former Liverpool FC star Jamie Carragher believes that the Gunners have what it takes to win the title for the first time since 2004.

“It’s not just the points gap but it’s Arsenal’s performances in big games,” Carragher said on Sky Sports Monday Night Football. “They aren’t just getting over the line, they are streets ahead of the opposition.

“The Champions League will be a factor for City. Once they start getting to the quarter and semi-finals in April, those City players will be focusing on the Champions League. I just think Arsenal will pip them.”

However, Carragher’s fellow pundit Gary Neville feels that Manchester City remain as the favourites to win the title this season.

“We’re so far out – 19 games to go – to be getting asked about this,” said Neville. “I don’t think Man City have started yet – they have been messing around. Pep Guardiola has been rotating. When they start to purr, I think they’ll motor on and put pressure on Arsenal. The run-in doesn’t start until April.”

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The English striker has been deployed up front for the Gunners since Gabriel Jesus was sidelined with a knee injury and the forward has been in great form, having now netted seven goals in his last seven games in all competitions.

Nketiah headed home an equaliser for Arsenal in the 24th minute after Marcus Rashford had put Manchester United ahead five minutes earlier.

Bukayo Saka then fired the Gunners into the lead in the 53rd minute with a superb solo strike, but the home side were pegged back by Lisandro Martinez’s header shortly after.

However, it was Arsenal and Nketiah who at the final say, with the 23-year-old Gunners striker poking home the winner for Mikel Arteta’s men in the 90th minute to claim a big win for the home side.

Arteta was asked about Nketiah’s impact in recent games and the Spaniard was full of praise for the forward at his post-match news conference.

Mikel Arteta (Photo: Mark Cosgrove / News Images / depositohotos.com)

“What Eddie is doing is incredible,” said Arteta. “We cannot say that we saw that, we were hoping that he could do that because of the way he is, because of his mentality, because of his qualities and how those qualities fit within the team.

“Losing Gabby [Gabriel Jesus] was a big blow, it is a big blow today, but Eddie is responding and the team I think in an exceptional way.”

Arteta went on to praise the striker, who came through Arsenal’s youth system, for the way he has been conducting himself this season.

Asked about Nketiah’s qualities, Arteta replied: “The qualities that he has, how much he wants it, how much belief he’s got in himself to become Arsenal’s number nine.

“His desire, his background, we’re with him every single day, [he’s] a special kid, he’s so loved by everybody at the football club, he’s got a real Arsenal heart and experience within him and that’s really special. You cannot put that into numbers. He’s really, really good.”

Meanwhile, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane reserved special praise for Saka in the lead-up to Sunday’s clash.

Saka – who was named as the player of the match on Sunday – has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers this season and has now netted seven goals and made seven assists in 19 Premier League games.

“For such a young player he’s already had a lot of experience,” Keane said on Sky Sports before the game.

Bukayo Saka (Photo: Adidas)

“He’s already got his hands on a trophy in the FA Cup, he’s had a big disappointment with England in terms of missing the penalty [in the European Championships final]. He got a lot of criticism for that but he bounced back well, which shows you good signs.

“The key for the player himself is that he looks like he goes out and enjoys the game. He looks like a really nice lad away from the game which always helps but when he’s playing, he can beat a man.

“When you’re playing for the big clubs you need one or two players that can beat a man because that changes the picture in football matches.

“I like everything about him. I think he can go and play for any of the big clubs in Europe and play for them and I’m including Real Madrid in that. I think he’s that good. I think he’s fantastic. What a talent. I love watching him.”

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