Arsenal secured a vital 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a chaotic North London derby which kept them in the Premier League title race.
Mikel Arteta’s side did not begin the game at their free-flowing best, but then raced into a 3-0 lead by half time as an own goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, an excellent counter attack finished by Bukayo Saka, and a powerful header from Kai Havertz meant Arsenal were in a comfortable position.
Arsenal then took full control of the game, but a mistake from goalkeeper David Raya was followed by a penalty after a mistimed challenge by Declan Rice, and the visitors found themselves desperately clinging on to their lead before the full time whistle.
The Gunners kept their shape well, and were excellent off the ball for most of the game, and having stuck with the same XI that thrashed Chelsea in midweek, Arteta’s faith in one player was rewarded.
Thomas Partey delivered excellent display in Arsenal win over Tottenham
Arsenal lined up with a midfield trio of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard for just the third time this season, and this could be the key to Arteta’s side keeping pace in the title race.
Partey has spent most of the season absent with injury, but he delivered an exceptional performance in the 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea, and he continued at the base of midfield.
The 30-year-old did have one or two suspect moments when pressed by the opposition, but was also the key to Arsenal’s build-up play and ball progression.
Partey completed 93% of his 40 attempted passes, both of his two dribbles, won two tackles and made five passes into the final third, as he was the link between defence and attack.
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How Thomas Partey raised Arsenal’s level in victory over Tottenham
There was one moment which particularly stood out and showed why Arteta selected him to start in the first half, as he picked up the ball at the edge of his box, was pressed, but turned excellently, drove up the pitch and played a perfect ball to Saka.
Journalist Ryan Taylor explained how Partey offered Arsenal’s defence extra protection on X, highlighting his physicality as crucial.
“Thomas Partey has taken Arsenal’s midfield to another level. Like an extra layer of protection. Always looking to move the ball forward at speed within one or two touches. Crazy to think this is only the second time he’s started alongside Rice & Ødegaard in PL this season,” he posted.
Partey has been linked with a move away this summer, and given his poor injury record, Arsenal should perhaps move him on if a substantial offer arrives, but he has shown Arteta what the perfect balance of his midfield trio should be, and this could influence the club to invest in a defensive midfielder with Partey’s physical and technical excellence.
