Ashley Williams believes Thomas Partey ‘made amends’ for his role in Marcos Senesi’s goal after scoring as Arsenal hosted Bournemouth. The midfielder helped the Gunners win 3-2.
The Cherries stunned Arsenal on Saturday afternoon after breaking the deadlock after only nine seconds through Philip Billing. Senesi (57’) later doubled his south coast club’s lead in north London, too. But Partey (62’) and Ben White (70’) replied to draw the Gunners level.
Reiss Nelson (90’+7) then sent Emirates Stadium into absolute delirium with his shock late winner deep into stoppage time. The forward completed an incredible comeback with the last kick of the game. He fired a fierce shot past Neto to keep the Gunners clear at the top.
Partey started a stunning comeback for Arsenal at home to Bournemouth
Arsenal now sit five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after 26 games. The Citizens had briefly cut the gap to two points after beating Newcastle United 2-0 earlier on Saturday. And Bournemouth threatened to dent the Gunners’ hopes.
Senesi left Arsenal reeling at 2-0 down after losing Partey to get onto Joe Rothwell’s corner and power home. The centre-half made a quick burst away from the midfielder to create a pocket of space and left Aaron Ramsdale powerless to keep the ball out with a low header.
The Gunners have always won in the Premier League when Partey gets a goal
Yet Partey started what proved to be a stunning comeback for Arsenal as the £45m Ghana anchor slashed Bournemouth’s lead. The 29-year-old has now scored three goals during 21 Premier League appearances so far this season. It is his most prolific term for the Gunners.
He had only scored twice through 48 top-flight outings following his transfer from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 prior to this season. But Partey now has goals against Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth beside his name so far in the current term.
Ex-Wales defender Williams also felt Partey made up for his role in Senesi’s goal by scoring Arsenal’s first against Bournemouth. It proved to be the perfect reply for the Gunners after going 2-0 down. Arsenal have also still always won after Partey scored in a top-flight game.
“Thomas Partey was at fault for the second Bournemouth goal,” Williams said on the BBC’s Final Score. “He’s made amends.”
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