The last couple of seasons have not been easy for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
Recurrent injuries have decimated Partey’s last two campaigns and have been a persistent issue for him since his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Towards the end of last season it seemed that these injuries had caught up with the Ghanaian. Partey came under fire from Arsenal fans, and there were calls for Mikel Arteta to move him on, as he looked woefully off the pace after coming back into the side towards the end of the campaign.
Partey impressed against PSG in the Gunners’ 2-0 Champions League win on Tuesday night though, and has been solid in the middle of the park so far this season.
Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 training and press conference at Sobha Realty Training Centre on…
Thomas Partey enjoying fitness streak
Partey’s biggest problem in recent years has been his injury record. He has now managed to start the first six games of a Premier League season for the very first time in his Arsenal career though.
This has given the 31-year-old an opportunity to build up some much-needed momentum and generate some confidence. He looks assured on the ball and confident in his body again, which has clearly made a huge difference to his form.
Mikel Merino providing serious competition
Whilst Jorginho can compete with Partey for game time, the Italian veteran is in the twilight years of his career and can no longer start games week in, week out. As such, the former Chelsea man can’t really threaten to entirely usurp Partey in the pecking order.
However, summer signing Mikel Merino made his Arsenal debut against PSG, replacing Partey as a second half substitute. The Spaniard will be aiming to replace Partey in the regular starting XI before long too, providing real motivation for the 51-cap Ghana international to keep his level high.
Jurrien Timber offering midfield support at Arsenal
Whilst Partey has undeniably, and somewhat surprisingly, improved since the end of last season, he is no longer quite the player he once was.
However, Jurrien Timber’s ability to drift into the middle of the park from his full-back berth gives the Gunners a midfield boost. The Dutchman’s presence means Partey has less ground to cover and patrol alone, allowing him to focus on doing what he does best on the ball, with the risk of his weaknesses being exposed mitigated.
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