Mikel Arteta says something has clicked for Thomas Partey since the midfielder rated his early season performances as only worthy of a four out of 10.
Aside from his red card blip in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, the Ghana international has been in impressive form since the tail-end of last year and was recently nominated for the club’s player of the month award.
Partey referenced the fact he too often lost focus in matches when he spoke to Sky Sports in December and the boss believes that going public with his disappointment has proved to be a turning point.
“I think when you are honest with yourself, it’s a great starting point,” said Arteta ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Watford.
“When you assess yourself in the way Thomas did, publically, it’s a really rare thing to do.
“He did it because he believed that was the case and he wants to give much more to the team and the club and probably something clicked again.
“Probably the fact he’s been injury-free is a massive thing in there. As well, he’s probably more fit as well because he’s doing things better.”
Asked if he’s noticed a difference in the player, Arteta’s answer was a simple, “Yes.”
Much to the manager’s amusement, he was also quizzed on Partey’s shooting. Like one of his predecessors, John Jensen, the Ghana international has developed a reputation for being hugely erratic when taking aim at goal leading supporters to jokingly scream, “shoot” anytime he has the ball near the penalty area.
“He is practising,” said Arteta. “Some of the goals he scores in training, you’d be amazed.
“You won’t believe me probably so you’ll have to see one of those soon getting into the net.”
Partey has only scored once for the Gunners since joining from Atletico Madrid in October 2021; a ‘header’ that came off his shoulder to give Arsenal the lead against Aston Villa in October.
an in form Thomas is a sight to behold. and i don’t think we’ve seen his best. Let’s hope our summer CM signing can unlock him completely, because he is phenomenal on his day.
Fully agree with you there he’s an absolute beast on his day
A long range screamer would be the icing on the cake
Maybe he’s saving it for the Sp*rs game…
Any kind of goal would do just fine, tbh 😅
Flamini!
Once he gets a screamer the flood gates will open ! It doesn’t really matter anyway, he’s the conductor pulling our strings ❤️
He is making Xhaka look quite good in that more advanced role (him and others).
Interesting that since Xhaka has returned from injury, the improvement in Partey is clearly discernible. They form a great partnership.
The article is about partey, you are obsessed with Xhaka 😂😂
Good point!
And yet he was persistently slagged off on here for half a season by ‘the usual suspects’ who invariably know more… and better.
When will they ever learn?
Even earlier in the season, he had halves (though not a full 90) where he was brilliant and you could see how much that improved the team’s overall play. There are a bunch of things needed for the style of play Arteta clearly wants–a keeper who can distribute, centre halves comfortable on the ball, and a midfielder who can receive the ball even when well-marked and quickly move it forward (dribble or pass as appropriate) into attack.
This tactic of Partey sitting deeper and Xhaka further forward is working extremely well.
To get top 4 it’s going to be vital these two remain injury and red card free for the next 3 months.
Big ask
Amen 🙏🏻
The main difference has been changing granny and his position. He sits in front of the defence providing shield and passing out to midfield while granny stays further up to not screw with our defence.
That question about Thomas Partey’ s shooting was a bit naughty. Love this player, always committed to the cause. He may just bang one beauty against Watford.
Partey is a shooting star.😜😜😜