The Gunners have just started the 2024-2025 Premier League campaign with an impressive performance when defeating Wolves 2-0 in the opening match.Mikel Arteta now has a squad of quality players with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz at the peak of his career.In addition, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber are all young and very talented.
However, Arsenal's perfect opening win still left a "favorite hotel" named Thomas Partey.The Ghana midfielder is only considered a good shoulder and still has moments of loss of rhythm and lack of cohesion in the team's playing style.
After the break when Arsenal were leading 1-0, Wolves accelerated and continuously dominated the midfield and in front of the penalty area. Thomas Partey was at a disadvantage and struggled to get the ball back from the opponent's feet. This caused William Saliba to continuously raise the bar. According to statistics, Partey lost the ball 3 times at home from the 55th to the 74th minute. These situations all ended with dangerous opportunities created by Wolves towards the home team's goal.
"We had some problems, especially in the second half with some fouls. However, it's part of football. The whole team must try to play more stably and safely" - Mikel Arteta admitted.
Partey's decline in form has appeared in Arsenal's defeat to Liverpool in the pre-season friendly. The Athletic described the 31-year-old midfielder as always slower than the opposing player and helpless in narrowing the midfield gap.
In the current Arsenal squad, Jorginho and Thomas Partey are two players over 30 years old.While Jorginho is still showing his importance, Partey is gradually losing his position and being forgotten.Last season, the Ghana midfielder did not play a single minute from October 2023 to early March 2024 due to surgery on a thigh injury.The 31-year-old star played only 9 matches in the Premier League last season.In addition, Declan Rice and Jorginho's good form also affected Partey's position.
However, Partey was still trusted by Arteta and given the opportunity to start in the opening match against Wolves.Last season, the Ghana midfielder was also in the starting lineup for the last 5 rounds.According to British media, the Spanish strategist is especially looking forward to Partey's return to free Rice from his current "number 6" position.Rice was even asked to change his playing style to suit Partey's return.
With Arsenal players all in their careers or playing irreplaceable roles, Thomas Partey needs to make an early effort to regain his peak form if he does not want to be a superstar at the Emirates.The former Atletico Madrid player was once considered the top central midfielder in the Premier League in the 2022-2023 season.However, consecutive injuries have forced him to get used to the hospital bed and bench.
If he cannot return to his best performance, Thomas Partey could soon be loaned to Arsenal with only 1 year left on his contract to make way for Mikel Merino. The Real Sociedad midfielder is not a "number 6" but can play well in the role of box-to-box. He will be a breath of fresh air in the "Gunners'" midfield this season.
