Mark Schwarzer has claimed one Arsenal player looked ‘lethargic’ in this afternoon’s north London derby against Tottenham.
Mikel Arteta’s side endured one of their best results of the season with a 3-2 win against their north London rivals, with Tottenham almost completing a late comeback against Arsenal that could have ended their Premier League title hopes.
Despite the pressure and potential narrative, Arsenal held on, with the Gunners securing a huge three points that takes them clear of the Premier League standings with three games left to go this season for the English giants.
Yet one Arsenal star was pointed out for criticism by Schwarzer during the win against Tottenham.
Thomas Partey singled out as Arsenal beat Tottenham in dramatic fixture
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live’s coverage of the match, Schwarzer noted how Thomas Partey looked sluggish against Tottenham, with the £45m midfielder retaining his spot in the starting XI after Tuesday’s impressive display against Chelsea.
With reports emerging in recent days that Saudi Arabia clubs are interested in signing the former Atletico Madrid star, there’s a growing chance that this season could be Partey’s last in the Premier League with Arsenal.
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And based on today’s performance in the north London derby, suggestions that Partey could be sold this summer might now be justified, with the Ghanaian international far from his best this afternoon against Tottenham.
Schwarzer said: “The minute the ball went into Thomas Partey with his back to play Spurs pressed. Partey took too much time and he was lethargic on the ball.”
Mikel Arteta needs to consider Partey sale this summer
With Partey once again dealing with injury issues this season, the midfielder has again shown this campaign that he isn’t the most reliable of players when it comes to being available.
And for Arteta, the Arsenal manager needs to really consider the option of selling the 31-year-old in the upcoming transfer window, especially with clubs already reportedly interested in signing the former La Liga star.
With Partey not at his best today in one of the biggest games of the season for Arsenal, time could be running out for the midfielder, who he himself might be considering a change of scenery this summer.