Alan Shearer has included Thomas Partey in his Premier League Team of the Week after his stunning effort in a 5-0 Arsenal win over struggling Nottingham Forest – and Shearer praised the Gunners star, saying he is “commanding”.
Partey, 29, is becoming a pivotal part of Arsenal’s side – both in terms of system and defensively, but also in attack. Coming into the season, he had scored two goals in 59 games. This season, he has two goals in his 12 outings.
The Ghana ace scored a beautiful curling effort in the 3-1 win over Tottenham. Finding the top corner after a lay-off from Ben White. On Sunday, he did exactly the same against Forest – the difference, Reiss Nelson with the pass.
Nelson nabbed two goals, while Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli also got their names on the score sheet. Shearer included him in his TOTW, saying: “Crowned a commanding all-round performance with another great goal.”
Shearer praises commanding Arsenal star Partey after Forest win
A wonderful display from the ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder. Having endured a couple of injury-hit seasons, Partey is finally showing Arsenal fans why the club decided to bring him to the club. He is a mainstay in Arteta’s system.
His influence on Arsenal’s midfield, his defensive rigidity, his recycling of possession. It is absolutely crucial to the way Arteta wants his Arsenal side to play. It gives Odegaard and Granit Xhaka the license to get forward and score.
If Arsenal are to do something amazing this season, and challenge Pep Guardiola and Manchester City for the title, Partey must remain fit. It is why Arteta has only used him in three Europa League games, all of which as a substitute.
The likelihood of Partey even being used on Thursday this week, in Arsenal’s final Europa League games, is unlikely. They will want him fresh for Sunday’s trip across London to rivals Chelsea, a huge game for the Gunners.
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