Thomas Partey Grabs Brace of Assists Ahead of Arsenal Return

It may seem trivial, but we all love to see it.

Signing a new player gets the pulses racing and the excitement pumping, but until you see that fresh addition holding the Arsenal shirt aloft and giving his first interview, it tends not to properly sink in.

Thomas Partey’s signing is expected to be a watershed moment in Mikel Arteta’s reign. A key instigator in what will begin to form the inner workings of the ideal team the boss is looking to build.

All the work thus far has lifted spirits and reset the course this club was previously heading for. However, Arteta has done all he can with what is at his disposal and despite seeing vast improvements in the overall performances of the side, quality in certain areas has been scarce.

An international break that began in good spirits with a 2-1 win over Sheffield United reached new heights with the £45m acquisition, who will arrive at Arsenal to fulfill all the media duties we’ve been craving. This may take place on Wednesday, as Partey signed off his own spell away with his national side with a 5-1 win over Qatar.

A disappointing 3-0 loss to Mali was not ideal, but on Monday Arsenal’s new No. 18 grabbed himself a brace of assists to help wrap up a comprehensive victory. Coming into the second period with the scores level at 1-1, he zipped a pass through to the feet of Andre Ayew, who tucked home his effort to put Ghana in front.

Less than two minutes later, he set up another.

Operating on the right side of a central midfield pairing, he picked up possession in his own half before dinking a delightful ball over the top for Samuel Owusu, who didn’t even need to break stride, such was the accuracy of the delivery, before taking one touch to set himself up and fire home his side’s third of the game.

In many fans’ minds, they’re swapping Owusu for Nicolas Pepe and salivating at the thought of what may come. Interestingly, Partey played deeper than he usually does for his country, whom he has an exceptional goal record for.

Knowing he’s had 180 minutes of football under his belt already since the Sheffield United match and was already match fit following the start of La Liga, there is no reason be won’t be thrust straight into Arsenal action.