One of the most symbolic actions of Arsenal’s 2020/21 season was experienced in a north London derby in enemy territory. As Spurs countered, Thomas Partey had come over to the side of the field feeling an injury, and was pushed back on by manager Mikel Arteta.
All however was too late. Spurs struck their second and winning goal of the game and Partey failed to make it far, knowing he couldn’t rejoin the action before Harry Kane struck to make it 2-0. The midfielder then missed a huge portion of the season in which Arsenal suffered greatly.
With just over a week until the derby comes round again, Arteta faces more questions regarding the Ghanaian’s fitness.
The Spaniard did indeed receive questioning on the matter in his Burnley pre-match press conference and his answers left Arsenal supporters still none-the-wiser as to whether he would start against Burnley.
“He is there. He has been training in and out this week, his load had to be managed because it was the early stages of the injury, what he had, but he is pushing everyone like he always does and he wants to be involved,” explained Arteta.
He added: “We will make the decision at the weekend of what is best for him.”
With Mohamed Elneny injured and Granit Xhaka suspended, Sambi Lokonga’s only other possible partner would be Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
The England international had a decent display against Norwich but the difference in quality was clear from the moment Partey entered the fold. His pass led to the sole decisive goal of the game.
Burnley will be a tough test for Arsenal and a completely different type of team to the Norwich side they dominated. The Clarets will cope much better with the press, able to kick it long to either Ashley Barnes or Chris Wood.
Partey’s physicality and technical skill will be imperative should Arsenal want to win the midfield battle against Sean Dyche’s side.
The risk of throwing Partey in this weekend is that it could backfire and not only would he be missing for the north London derby the following weekend, but for the long-term.
Should Partey be involved this weekend, Arteta should look to manage him carefully. If the Gunners are in a comfortable position, he should be taken off for protection.
Any additional involvement would only be a needless risk and with Maitland-Niles on the bench, he is a capable option.
Partey’s consistent presence in the Arsenal team could be the key to achieving the targets set out at the beginning of the campaign.
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