Paul Merson has criticised Tottenham Hotspur head coach Antonio Conte on Sky Sports Premier League (5:27pm, January 15, 2023) for not trying to stop Arsenal defensive midfielder Thomas Partey in the first half of the North London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday.
The former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit was shocked that Tottenham boss Conte could not see how influential Partey was in the middle of the park for Arsenal.
The £200,000-a-week (Spotrac) former Atletico Madrid star was a force to be reckoned with in midfield and came close to scoring in the first half.
Paul Merson on Antonio Conte and Thomas Partey during Tottenham v Arsenal
Merson said: “No one has got near him. I can’t believe how a manager of that quality has not tried to nip this in the bid. It’s pretty embarrassing.”
Big player for Arsenal
In our view, Thomas Partey is one of the best and most important players for Arsenal.
The defensive midfielder is a shield for the back-line, and against Tottenham, especially in the first half, he showed how good he is when he pushes the team forward.
Yes, Conte should have tried to nullify Partey, but you also have to give credit to the Arsenal star for the way he played the game.
Arsenal are aiming to win the Premier League title this season.
In our view, if the Gunners are to be successful in their quest this campaign, then Partey will have to on top of his game and stay fit.
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