The key difference with him and Jorginho on the ball is that Jorginho doesn’t back himself to play through the lines or go long any more. He was doing that last season but he seems content with helping the team keep possession until late on despite having the passing ability to do so. Which to be fair he’s probably specialised and instructed to do. But Partey has that extra something on the ball and off it which make him an undisputed starter along with Rice. Jorginho deserves his prop for yesterday though. It was a full 90 minute plan from the boss.
In the first half he was breaking the lines plenty. He also clipped some amazing balls in over the top.
I agree though. He doesnt break the lines as much this season with his passing.
Whatever it takes. We’ve had multiple seasons derail because he couldn’t stay healthy.
Partey playing his 25/38 now matters less because of the Declan Rice signing.
Nice not to have it as a big worry but even nicer to have both of them available. Good times right now
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Yeah for sure, although like @Bavin said, it’s better to have them both. He and Tomiyasu can act as Grant Balfour-esque closers in matches.
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I still think our best midfield 3 at the moment is also Partey, Rice and Odegaard also.
I know Partey and Rice are both naturally 6s but with no one taking the 8 by storm I think that’s our strongest side.
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I agree with you but Havertz is going to keep playing there until it costs us points or it clicks even if he’s looked lightyears better at the nine. Arteta has previous with running an option into the ground before trying something new.
Havertz has started one of the last four league games.
That’s a good point but I still don’t see Arteta giving up on him at the eight. I hope I’m wrong because I think he’s far more useful and been more impressive up front.
It’s really scary how our midfield grapples for control of games when he isn’t around. I genuinely think him having a significant involvement today would have made today a hell of a lot different.
Rice at the 6 fixes this problem.
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It was a bad performance from a number of people and some bad luck/mistakes, but yeah he would have helped.
Partey’s Arsenal career outlook won’t be improving from a fitness perspective. I think it’s clear we need to add another CM next summer.
The Enzo/Caicedo midfield looked robust for most of the game and we couldn’t play through them. With respect to Jorgi, he wasn’t the greatest at dictating play or linking things through the center.
Hopefully we go big for an upgrade for CM + ST next year.
If we can find the cash to keep Elneny around in his twilight years, I’ll be damn sure that I’d still want Partey to hang around though, if he still wants to be at Arsenal in such a role of course.
Cash in when you can
I don’t get the criticism? Remember, he returned ahead of schedule.
He probably would’ve come on if we weren’t losing 2-0 and Arteta preferred to move Rice at #6 and use ESR and Odegaard as the two #8s.
Anyway, he’s crucial for us and we’ve seen it time and again. Can’t wait for him to be reintegrated into the starting lineup. His absence is the biggest reason why you don’t see us play that champagne football anymore.
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How much is Odegaard missing this guy ? Partey’s ability to progress the ball and link up between the lines always seems to help Odegaard thrive ? Or is that just me ?
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He did not need excuses.
Admit he had a trash game and move on.
Partey could not save him yesterday.
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Not just talking about yesterday, in general I think he plays a lot better when Partey is in the side, and whilst Partey is in form.
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