Arsenal fans destroys one player on social media after draw vs Brighton, they are demanding answers
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes were dealt a blow as the Gunners stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Despite taking an early lead through 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, a controversial penalty converted by Brighton’s Joao Pedro in the second half leveled the score. Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, however, found himself at the center of fans’ frustrations, with many blaming him for the team’s inability to control the game and secure all three points.
A Bright Start, A Missed Opportunity
Arsenal began the match brightly, with 17-year-old Nwaneri continuing to impress after breaking into the first team. The teenager opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a composed finish, latching onto a perfectly timed through ball from Mikel Merino.
For much of the first half, the Gunners dominated possession and appeared to be in control. However, Brighton gradually grew into the game, applying relentless pressure and forcing Arsenal’s midfield into mistakes.
The turning point came in the 61st minute when a controversial penalty was awarded to Brighton after a collision between William Saliba and Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. Referee Stuart Attwell deemed the challenge reckless, though replays showed the clash appeared accidental. Joao Pedro stepped up and confidently slotted the penalty past Aaron Ramsdale, leaving Arsenal fans fuming over the decision.
Jorginho Under the Microscope
While the penalty decision sparked outrage, Jorginho bore the brunt of fans’ anger for his underwhelming performance in midfield. The Italian international struggled to cope with Brighton’s high-energy press, often losing possession or opting for safe, sideways passes rather than driving the team forward.
On social media, Arsenal fans made their dissatisfaction with Jorginho abundantly clear.
One fan wrote:
“Jorginho just isn’t cut out for these kinds of games. Too slow, too passive, and offers nothing defensively. Brighton’s midfield ran rings around him.”
Another added:
“We missed Partey so badly today. Jorginho slows the game down, and when we needed energy and urgency, he gave us none. Arteta needs to stop relying on him in big matches.”
The absence of Thomas Partey, sidelined with injury, loomed large as Arsenal struggled to match Brighton’s intensity in midfield. Partey’s physical presence and ball-winning ability were sorely missed, and Jorginho’s performance only highlighted the gap in quality.
A Divisive Decision
The penalty decision against Saliba added another layer of frustration for Arsenal supporters. Saliba, who has been a rock in Arsenal’s defense this season, collided with Ferguson while contesting a high ball. While the clash seemed accidental, the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR review, a decision Arteta described as “incredibly harsh.”
Despite the controversy, many fans felt Arsenal had ample time to respond but failed to do so effectively. Jorginho’s inability to drive the team forward in the closing stages was a major talking point.
Arteta Defends Jorginho
In his post-match press conference, Mikel Arteta defended the Italian midfielder, saying:
“Jorginho is a very experienced player who has contributed a lot to this team. It’s not about one player; it’s about how we manage key moments as a group. The penalty decision didn’t go our way, but we should have been more clinical to avoid such situations.”
Arteta’s words, however, did little to appease fans, many of whom believe Jorginho’s style of play slows Arsenal’s tempo and hinders their ability to dominate games against physical opponents.
What Lies Ahead
The draw sees Arsenal drop two valuable points in the title race, with their next fixture against a high-flying Aston Villa side. The midfield remains a pressing concern, especially with Partey’s availability still uncertain. Fans are calling for January reinforcements, particularly someone who can bring both defensive solidity and attacking impetus.
For Jorginho, the pressure is mounting. He will need to deliver in the upcoming games to win back the trust of the fans and prove his value to the team.
As the dust settles on a frustrating afternoon at the Amex Stadium, one thing is clear: Arsenal must find consistency and resilience if they are to challenge for the Premier League title. Whether Jorginho remains part of the solution or becomes part of the problem will be determined in the coming weeks.
