Thomas Partey is the most important player in this Arsenal team

Thomas Partey is the most important playeyr in this Arsenal team.

Let me say it again.

Thomas Partey is the most important player in this Arsenal team.

It’s not Jesus. It’s not Saka. It’s not Saliba.

It’s Thomas Partey. Let me explain.

This isn’t just an overreaction to his goal – it’s only taken two years but he has finally hit one right. It. Was. Beautiful.

Partey’s importance isn’t because he is the best player in the team but rather because he is the only player that can play his role. To understand how important Partey is to this Arsenal team, all you have to do is look back to the match against Manchester United.

At Old Trafford, injuries to both Partey and Elneny saw Albert Sambi Lokonga drop into the Number 6 role. In Lokonga’s defence, it was the first time he was put into this role after not getting many minutes.

Lokonga failed to anchor the midfield however. Whilst his play style leads him to get further up the pitch and play in the half space, similar to Elneny, he was not disciplined enough to stay back and help hold the defensive shape.

This let United play into their counterattacking style and bombard the Arsenal team on the break, leaving Rashford with two goals and an assist. The Gunners faced 10 shots, with 6 being on target.

In the match against Tottenham, another team which prioritises counterattacks (and is arguably one of the best teams at it), Arsenal dominated it. The possession stats remained quite similar, with Arsenal holding 64.7% of the ball against Spurs as opposed to 60.5% against United.

This time, however, Tottenham only managed 7 shots, with 3 being on target. This is all because of the presence of Partey in the starting lineup.

The Ghanaian international is the anchor in the 2-3-5 build-up system that Arteta plays. He sits in the middle of the park, dictating play and possession by providing an outlet, giving him the ability to break the lines of the opposition press. Not only this but Partey is also able to cut off passes and win possession within seconds of Arsenal losing the ball, snuffing out opposition attacks before they even begin.

This was evident in the North London Derby. Tottenham only managed to score from a spot kick and couldn’t muster anything to continuously worry the Arsenal defence. Son was held to no goal contributions, whilst Kane only contributed from the penalty spot.

Thomas Partey’s ability to sit back also unlocks potential for his teammates. A rejuvenated Granit Xhaka has been able to play as a box-to-box, putting up career numbers this season alongside his two goals and three assists. Martin Odegaard is free to roam around the right side of the pitch and pull the strings of the attack.

If Partey can stay healthy, Arsenal have every chance to finish in the Top 4.