Ian Wright reacts to Thomas Partey’s volley for Arsenal against Tottenham

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Ian Wright was blown away by Thomas Partey’s volley during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Moments before Martin Odegaard scored Arsenal’s second with a brilliant pin-point finish from 30 yards out, Partey proceeded to do his best Paul Scholes impression.

After the ball was headed out of the penalty area, the 29-year-old composed himself before unleashing a thunderous and well-hit volley that slapped the Tottenham post. Hugo Lloris was rooted to the spot.

Over the years, many great goals have been scored in the north London derby, from Thierry Henry’s legendary solo goal to that ridiculous long-range chip from David Bentley during that epic 4-4 draw under Harry Redknapp.

Well, if that Partey effort had gone in, then it certainly would have been put on a list of great Arsenal goals against Tottenham.

Either way, whilst the Ghana international missed out on getting on the scoresheet, his captain did and Wright praised the Norway international for his effort also, as he told Premier League Productions (15/01/23 at 5:30 pm).

Wright on Odegaard: “You look at Odegaard, no-one picks him up. Everyone dropping back. Everyone is going into the box, so they are saying ‘go on shoot’. And he does shoot, then bam! It was a nice shot.”

Wright on Partey’s volley in the first half: “This is amazing. Wow. Bang. It came off his shin. How do you get so much power off your shin?!”

PARTEY IS ARSENAL’S MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER

Without Thomas Partey, you have to question where Arsenal would be because he protects that back four and allows the attacking players to express themselves with ease.

The composure he shows when receiving the ball in his own defensive third, to his right choice of pass, when to play the ball first time, when to take a touch, his awareness of which teammates are in space and finding that pass.

It’s the simple stuff done to a serious, serious high standard. Then there is his ability to strike a ball.

Partey’s first-time finish against Tottenham during the reverse fixture will be remembered for a long time and you have to question why he doesn’t shoot more given his ability from long range.