Arsenal finally got what they wanted on deadline day, as they completed the last-gasp capture of Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid.
Mikel Arteta was desperate to add quality in midfield, and whilst more creative options were linked with moves to Arsenal, the Gunners went for Partey.
The 27-year-old has been a long-term target for Arsenal, and provides great protection for Arteta’s back four whilst also possessing a fine passing range.
That was on show on Monday evening, as Partey picked up a couple of assists in Ghana’s 5-1 thrashing of Qatar.
Now, the first assist was a little fortunate; his goal-bound shot found its way to Andre Ayew, who slotted home.
The second was hugely impressive though. Partey picked the ball up in midfield, and played a beautiful pass over the top of the Qatar defence for Samuel Owusu to race clear and score.
The weight on the pass was ideal, with Partey spotting Owusu’s darting run whilst perfectly spotting the space in behind the Qater back line.
That pass will have been exciting for Arsenal fans, but imagine how a speedy attacker like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang feels watching that assist.
Aubameyang is superb at making runs off the back of full backs like Owusu did for his goal, with his wide-left role under Arteta perfect for those darts towards goal.
Partey showed that he has the vision and quality of pass to pick out such runs, and Aubameyang should be watching on knowing that Partey can feed him the ball on the counter-attack and present goalscoring chances.
Partey wasn’t always allowed to impact the game going forward under Diego Simeone, but that could change under Arteta – and his perfect assist against Qatar should be a sign of things to come for Arsenal, with an exciting link-up between Partey and Aubameyang in mind.
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