Thomas Partey Return To Health May Be Turning Level In Arsenal’s Season

Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey warms up before the third round of the English League Cup … [+] Football match between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 22nd, 2021. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, schedule, club / league logos or ‘live’ services. In-game online use limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. No video emulation. The use of social media during the game is limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. Not used in betting publications, games or individual club / league / player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, schedule, club / league logos or ‘live’ services. In-game online use limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. No video emulation. The use of social media during the game is limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. Not used in betting publications, games or individual club / league / player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, schedule, club / league logos or ‘live’ services. In-game online use limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. No video emulation. The use of social media during the game is limited to 120 images. A further 40 images can be used in the extension. Not used in betting publications, games or individual club / league / player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP via Getty Images)

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While a 1-0 win over Burnley might not have stood out as particularly noteworthy, it was a major milestone in Arsenal’s season so far. In fact, three points on Turf Moor was the first time Mikel Arteta’s team had won games in a row. It was also the first time the Spaniard presented at least part of his vision for the Gunners.

Arsenal were barely emphatic in their win over Burnley but they were solid on defense, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White showing signs of partnership in central defense. Up ahead, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe were also effective in giving Arsenal a platform from which to launch attacks.

They had width on the wings through Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang threatened them in the penalty area. Even Aaron Ramsdale, whose signing Sheffield United was widely criticized at the time, was impressive after apparently replacing Bernd Leno as the Gunners’ number one.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Martin Odegaard celebrates the Arsenal goal during the … [+] Premier League game between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on September 18, 2021 in Burnley, England. (Photo by David Price / Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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Perhaps the biggest positive, however, was the performance of Thomas Partey, who made his first PINC appearance in the Premier League of the season. The Ghanaian tied everything together in the middle of the pitch, protecting Arsenal’s back four and propelling the Gunners forward from a low position.

Arsenal have no one who can play the role of Thomas like the man himself. Arteta has other midfield options with Albert Sambi Lokonga and Granit Xhaka as well as Odegaard and Smith Rowe, but Thomas is currently one of the best central anchors in the European game.

“He’s really important because he’s the anchor. He’s the one who has to read what happens and do the rest better. His biggest task is to find the right balance in the team and to get the right fluidity in the team so that we can attack, ”said Arteta after the away win against Burnley.

“How he mastered the transitions was great, he has the pressing and the charisma, and then he struggled in the end,” Arteta continued when asked how the midfielder played at Turf Moor. “He couldn’t finish the game because he had cramps. But that will come. He’s been missing for a long time, but now he’s back and needs a little more fitness. “

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the third round match of the Carabao Cup … [+] between Arsenal and AFC Wimbledon at Emirates Stadium on September 22nd, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane / Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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This weekend’s North London Derby could mark another milestone in Arsenal’s season and development as a team under Arteta. Tottenham Hotspur also struggled earlier this season as Nuno Espirito Santo struggled to connect his midfield to his attack.

Harry Kane, who is still with Spurs after a summer transfer saga that didn’t result in a transfer, has been isolated in almost every game he has played. Derby day could bring the English captain back to life but Arsenal showed enough defensive determination in beating Burnley to suggest they could keep Tottenham away.

Arsenal have the opportunity to get a head start on their closest rivals and also underscore the incremental strides they are making. Arteta finally has many of his key roles and it could be argued that no one is more important than Thomas to the Gunners and their chances of advancing this season.