Jorginho netted a baffling 30-yard own goal as the Arsenal midfielder prepared for Declan Rice’s arrival in the worst way possible.
The Italian pass-master won’t pass muster for much longer if he repeats the blunder he made in the Gunners’ opening pre-season friendly, Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Nurnberg in Germany.
But Arsenal’s sub keeper Karl Hein was partly to blame. His casual pass forward from the edge of the area left Jorginho under pressure.
And the Italian matched Hein’s carelessness by prodding a first-time left-footer back past the Estonian and into the net. That freaky moment in the 62nd minute cancelled out a flashing early opener from Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka.
But Gunners’ fans were at least delighted to see new boy Kai Havertz come on at the interval.
One fan said of Jorginho’s cock-up: “Oh Arsenal, I’ve missed you.”
But another added: “Lol that keeper is mad that pass was never on.”
And a third went further: “Even tho Jorginho was the Arsenal player who last touched the ball I’m giving that own goal to Karl Hein.”
Jorginho’s misfortune comes as the Gunners still wait to tie up Rice’s £106million signing from West Ham. Some supporters are getting anxious – because it’s a week after terms for the England anchorman’s move appeared to have been settled.
But apart from Rice, Emirates chief Mikel Arteta is tipped to land another central player. That shake-up has already led to Granit Xhaka departing Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen. And it could see Thomas Partey exiting too.
Jorginho is tipped for an influential bit-part role – albeit not the type he showed on Thursday night vs Bundesliga 2 side Nurnberg. Sub striker Folarin Balogun wasted a gaping chance in stoppage-time as the Gunners drew.
Source: thesun.co.uk
