Arteta must start Arsenal star for rest of the season after ‘really good game’ | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta must start midfielder Thomas Partey for the rest of the season following his brilliant performance against Chelsea on Tuesday night.

The Ghana international has had a tough time with injuries in the current campaign. He made his first league start since August 2023 in yesterday’s London derby.

Partey showed his class with a composed performance in the number six role. He made three interceptions and four recoveries while winning 100 percent of his tackles.

The 30-year-old also created two chances and made nine passes into the final third. His presence in the heart of the midfield also freed up Declan Rice to operate higher up the field.

We saw a glimpse of that against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. Rice starred for the Gunners again last night, playing a part in two goals scored in the convincing 5-0 rout.

Partey and Rice seem to be the ideal midfield partnership. Jorginho has fared well in recent months but is not the best at making recoveries.

Manager Mikel Arteta said that Partey had a ‘really good game‘ after the derby and the Spaniard must start the €20 million-rated star for the rest of the season.

Partey’s injury record has been a concern for a while, but the Gunners could benefit from his presence as they look to keep their title hopes alive.

Arsenal are currently top of the table, three points ahead of second-placed Liverpool with a superior goal difference. Manchester City are third with a four-point deficit but with two games in hand.

The Cityzens are favourites to clinch a fourth straight league title, but the Gunners need to keep the pressure on them by winning their remaining matches.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com.