Martin Keown names the Arsenal duo who are the 'driving force' behind title push

Martin Keown has hailed Jorginho and Oleksandr Zinchenko for their role in Arsenal’s comeback win over Aston Villa that regained them the lead in the title race.

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Arsenal came from 2-1 down to win 4-2 at Villa Park last Saturday, just a few hours before Manchester City were shockingly held to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

These results have put the Gunners two points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with a game in hand over the Citizens.

It was a much needed result for Mikel Arteta’s side who had seen their advantage in the title race wiped out after a string of bad results, including the 3-1 home defeat to City last Wednesday.

Zinchenko and Jorginho were pivotal in the Villa win, with the former levelling the game up with his first-ever Premier League goal, while the latter takes the credit for the injury-time winner after his long-range shot went in after hitting the crossbar and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

‘I was particularly impressed with Arsenal’s two serial trophy-winners Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jorginho,’ Keown wrote for the Daily Mail.

‘They were the driving force and helped drag their team-mates over the winning line at Villa Park.

‘After losing to Everton, drawing with Brentford, and losing to City, this was a significant win and a response of potential champions.’

There is of course still a long way to go before the end of the season, with Arsenal and City set to travel to Leicester and Bournemouth respectively on Saturday.

And Keown believes that the mental strength that Zinchenko and Jorginho have brought over from City and Chelsea can give their new side an advantage in the race.

‘Arsenal sent an important message to Manchester City on Saturday: If you think this title race is over, then think again, because we’re not going away,’ the Gunners legend added.

‘Psychologically, Arsenal had to make their mark by showing their rivals they had reacted to that midweek defeat with a win.

‘Arteta’s players showed so much character and personality at Villa to keep going, to keep believing, to keep playing their brand of football and ultimately, that ended their frustrating run of three Premier League games without a win.’

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