Shining Bright: Arsenal’s Unsung Hero vs. Saints "Eyes" New Deal

By Danong 

Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka have dominated the headlines throughout Arsenal's promising start to this league season. However, while the duo garners all the attention, midfielder Thomas Partey's impact has been severely overlooked.

Gooners constantly grumble about Partey's availability. Well, it is worth noting he has now started Arsenal's first seven league games without suffering an injury or suspension for the first time since moving to the Emirates in 2020. 

Ironically, it is his midfield partners who have missed games due to injury or suspension; at one time this season, he was the last man standing in Arsenal's engine room.

As Arsenal's pivot in the centre of midfield Partey has done his duty, bringing a no-nonsense mentality to the Gunners' engine room and demonstrating his ability to intercept the ball. 

He has made it easier for Arsenal to regain and maintain possession of the ball as they seek to dominate opponents.

Arsenal's 2-0 victory against PSG was his best performance yet.

Following the masterclass in midfield versus the Parisians, he played a crucial defensive role in the Gunners' 3-1 victory over the Saints last Saturday. 

With no fit right backs, Arsenal needed someone to fill in and Partey made himself available. He assumed the right back position and displayed exceptional performance, ensuring that we did not miss either Ben White or Jurrien Timber.

Indeed, Saka contributed two assists and a goal; Havertz scored his seventh consecutive goal at the Emirates Stadium this season; Martinelli added another goal to make the win over Southampton possible; but Partey also made a significant contribution to the 3-1 victory over the Saints.

Partey versus Southampton:

• 100% duels won (5/5)
• 100% tackles won (4/4)
• 100% dribbles won (1/1)
• 92% passing accuracy (69/75)
• 95 touches
• 1 dangerous shot
• 1/2 successful aerial duels
• 10 passes into the opposition third
• 3/5 accurate crosses

Although it's too early to tell if Partey can keep up his fitness, if he does, he will lead Arsenal to league glory and the club might feel compelled to offer him the new contract that it is claimed could be in the works.