Arteta should abandon his experiment with Thomas Partey as a right-back. Yes, the Ghana international has had better performances at right-back compared to his brief stint there at the start of the 2023-24 season.
Before the October international break, it was difficult to discern that Arsenal lacked a proper right-back, as Partey assumed the position with ease.
After the break, he started as a #6 against Bournemouth and also retained his midfield spot in the first half against Shakhtar Donetsk. His performance at the heart of Arsenal’s engine room has got high praise; he really rose to the occasion, delivering his best performance of the season in the first half of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Shakhtar.
In the second half against the Ukrainian side, Arteta chose to revert him to right-back. He also did an excellent job there, but his void in Arsenal’s engine room was noticeable. The Gunners abruptly lost control and the influence they enjoyed in the first half and in the second half against Shakhtar.
Going into the next few games, the Arsenal defense is in disarray, with William Saliba suspended for the game against Liverpool and Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu injured. We are eagerly anticipating Jurrien Timber’s return from his injury.
Arteta and his technical bench may be brainstorming ways to deal with the defense’s absence, but they cannot do so by weakening the midfield. Thomas Partey, as demonstrated Tuesday night, must just be the main man in the midfield; the authority he gives Arsenal while there is unrivalled.
He has been consistent so far this season, and having him and Declan Rice in midfield increases our steel and advancement, which is undoubtedly the Gunners’ key to dominating games. Thomas Partey has played himself into relevance at Arsenal; he is essential to their performance, and this is evident in how he plays the #6 role. Playing him elsewhere diminishes Arsenal’s midfield brilliance.
