95 touches, 100% ground duels & 100% dribbles won: £45m star was Arsenal’s best player after Saka vs Southampton – opinion | OneFootball

Arsenal registered a 3-1 comeback win over Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Gunners dominated proceedings in the opening half at the Emirates Stadium, but they lacked the cutting edge with just one shot on target.

The Saints shocked the home faithful by going ahead in the 55th minute, but Arsenal equalised quickly through a powerful Kai Havertz strike.

Gabriel Martinelli made it 2-1 in the Gunners favour after a brilliant side-footed volley. Bukayo Saka put the game to bed with the third goal before stoppage time.

Saka was undoubtedly the stand-out performer. He not only scored, but also created the first two goals.

He was the man of the match. There were several other stand-out performers, but we were particularly impressed with Thomas Partey’s performance from right-back.

The Ghanaian started in the makeshift role against the Saints in the absence of Ben White and Jurrien Timber. Takehiro Tomiyasu only came on as a late substitute.

Partey had a tough outing from the same position versus Fulham last term, but he stood out this time around, winning 100% of his ground duels and 100% of his tackles.

The £45 million signing had 95 touches with 92% accurate passes. Partey does not possess the overlapping skills of Timber or White, but did his job credibly.

The 31-year-old’s current deal with Arsenal expires at the end of the season and as things stand, there have been no negotiations over a possible contract extension.

Partey’s performances could be judged over the coming months before the Gunners consider his future. He needs to stay consistent and most importantly injury-free.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com