Arsenal’s Thomas Partey produced yet another impressive performance, this time against Sporting Cp in the Champions League league phase.
Remember when many Arsenal fans wanted to see Thomas Partey moved on? Granted, that thought was viable only a few months ago, but Partey’s redemption story is now clicking into gear.
After his efforts against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, the midfielder picked up where he left off in Lisbon, with his progressive passing a feature, not to mention his ability to help control the middle of the park and his delightful dink to spring Bukayo Saka free to tee up Kai Havertz’s goal to double Arsenal’s lead.
In the 5-1 rout of Sporting CP, Partey looked like the “Partey of old”, controlling the midfield, playing progressive passes, and being able to relieve pressure on his team with several well-timed long balls.
And for boss Mikel Arteta, he was left impressed by yet another super display from his midfielder.
“I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him, especially the way he’s dominated the game so that’s the level he can play, he’s progressing,” Arteta said via arsenal.com. “This year he’s been so consistent as well because he always has a role, that’s a big thing, he’s a massive player for us.”
Once called the “Rolls Royce” of the Gunners midfield, Partey struggled with injury and form over the last 12 months, but this season, it appears he’s put it all behind him and you could make the case that he’s been Arsenal’s best midfielder to date this season.
That’s a big bounce-back from a player who was on the scrap heap and looking to be moved on last summer, but sometimes these things take time, and maybe the international break has also played its part.
With a fully fit Partey, we have seen what a difference it can make to the whole dynamic of Arteta’s team, and that was on display in Lisbon, with Thomas controlling things and allowing others to go about their business.
Plus, he has that “making a superb pass out of nowhere” knack in his pocket too, as evidenced by his lob to Saka to set up Arsenal’s second goal.
While yes, we shouldn’t get too hyped given Partey’s injury history, but he’s played all 12 of Arsenal’s Premier League games and all five Champions League league games, too, so he is building quite the body of work now.
Maybe, just maybe, the return of the “Rolls Royce” could be key in Arsenal climbing its way back into title contention, both domestically and in Europe.
