Thomas Partey’s much-anticipated return against Paris Saint-Germain did not have the desired effect Arsenal fans would have hoped for as the visitors lost 2-1 in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final.
Mikel Arteta will understandably be frustrated as on the balance of play, the Gunners were the superior side for large parts of the game against Luis Enrique’s men.
But thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, PSG managed to emerge victorious as Bukayo Saka’s late strike was deemed inconsequential after the final whistle was blown.
While Arsenal can largely be proud of their spirited display in the French capital, it is worth mentioning that several of their players were far from their best as well.
Arsenal should let Thomas Partey leave after his poor display vs PSG
Declan Rice stressed Partey must perform against PSG and was full of praise for his Arsenal teammate ahead of the fixture.
But it’s safe to say that Thomas Partey was Arsenal’s biggest letdown against PSG as he had one of his most disappointing nights since making the move to the North Londoners in 2020.
The £45 million (Sky Sports) man was culpable for both of the Ligue 1 winners’ goals — starting with Ruiz’s deflected volley as he headed the ball in the Spanish international’s path.
For PSG vice-captain Hakimi’s strike as well, Partey was caught sleeping at the edge of Arsenal’s box as he was dispossessed and the Moroccan capitalised on his lack of awareness with a wonderful finish.
As the Parisians often hurt Mikel Arteta and Co on the counter-attack, the Ghanaian international let the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue run past him at will.
PSG had far too much space to exploit Arsenal on the break and Partey’s declining athleticism coupled with his poor defensive awareness is a key reason why that was the case.
In possession as well, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder was often quite sloppy, as he lost the ball on numerous instances and looked off the pace in his side’s most important game of the season.
With Arsenal set to offer Partey a contract renewal, the Odumase Krobo-born star’s latest showing against PSG should prompt Andrea Berta and Co to do a U-turn on their decision.
Thomas Partey stats vs PSG
The 31-year-old has had several games similar to Wednesday night’s — with his appalling display in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton being an example and is only declining with age.
Arsenal reckon Martin Zubimendi will sign for them and he would certainly be an upgrade on him when it comes to anchoring their back four.
While watching Partey struggle against PSG was enough to suggest he underwhelmed for Arsenal, the stats don’t lie either.
| THOMAS PARTEY STATS VS PSG | |
| DRIBBLED PAST | 1 |
| POSSESSION LOST | 19 |
| DUELS WON | 4/9 |
| ACCURATE PASSES | 31/36 (86%) |
For a holding midfielder to lose the ball a staggering 19 times is sufficient proof of their struggles.
But Arsenal ace Partey was even dribbled past once and won less than 50 per cent of his duels against PSG as well.
It’s safe to say that unless Andrea Berta moves players like Partey on, Arsenal will be unable to become the winners they are well-capable of becoming in the near future.
