Going by match ratings, it wasn’t a great night for Arsenal new boy Thomas Partey on Friday.
The Ghana international joined the Gunners in a £45 million deal from Atletico Madrid earlier in the week.
But in his first match since becoming an Arsenal player, Partey was on the receiving end of a 3-0 drubbing by Mali in last night’s friendly.
And one publication named Joy Online, which calls itself “Ghana’s most comprehensive website”, the midfield powerhouse was given a dismal 3/10 rating.
And here’s what was written in a separate article about the same match, by the same outlet: “Clearly, Partey was still elated by his dream move as he struggled to show the world why Arsenal signed him.”
It must be noted that it’s been a long week for Partey – who still earned his country’s second-highest rating of the night somehow – and stealing the show in a nothing friendly probably wasn’t high on his list of priorities.
By virtue of the fact Arsenal spent such a big amout of money on him, in this climate, they clearly feel that he’s a fine footballer and hopefully for the North Londoners, he’ll prove as much in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side resume their season with a trip to Manchester City next Saturday and all eyes will be on Partey once again.
He should, in theory, be far more motivated to impress there than he was in last night’s friendly.
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