Charles Watts Explains Why Arsenal Badly Missed Thomas Partey in PSG Defeat | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain are heading back to the French capital with a slim edge after a 1–0 win over Arsenal on Tuesday night at Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal.

Ousmane Dembele opened the scoring just four minutes in, capping off a move he started himself. After linking up with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and darting into the box, Dembele was on the end of a slick outside-of-the-foot return pass and buried a low shot off the post.

Arsenal thought they had pulled level later in the match, but VAR ruled out the equalizer, leaving PSG with a one-goal cushion heading into the second leg at Parc des Princes.

How much did Arsenal miss Thomas Partey in the first leg?

Julian Finney/Getty Images

In his column for CaughtOffside, Arsenal insider Charles Watts pointed out how much the Gunners missed Thomas Partey in their narrow loss, with the veteran midfielder sidelined due to suspension. He’ll be back for the second leg at Parc des Princes, giving Arsenal a key boost in midfield.

“[Arsenal] will have Thomas Partey back available and that will be really important,” Watts wrote. “His absence was huge [on Tuesday]. I thought Declan Rice played well in the holding role, but Arsenal did miss his energy and box crashing runs.

“You saw how PSG struggled to cope with him when he surged forward to set up the chance for Trossard, but unfortunately he just wasn’t able to do that enough because he had to stay deeper than he usually does. So when I look at how Arsenal could turn things around next week I think Partey’s return and Rice’s move back to the left eight role could be pivotal.

“Mikel Merino could also then return to the striker role, which will give Arsenal a bit more of a physical presence around the penalty area. It’s going to be difficult now for Arsenal. There’s no doubt about that.”