Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal & Granit Xhaka Transformed Under Thomas Partey Tutelage

By Ross Kennerley

Newcastle United's English midfielder Matty Longstaff (R) vies with Arsenal's Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 18, 2021. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United's English midfielder Matty Longstaff (R) vies with Arsenal's Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 18, 2021. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Thomas Partey
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey brings the best out of Arsenal and Granit Xhaka in Newcastle Premier League win (Photo by CATHERINE IVILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Arsenal had a midfield that ticked on Monday, as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka dominated an area of the pitch usually riddled with sluggishness and cautiousness.

With the summer signing returning to the starting fold for the first time since early December, the lift it gave not only to his surrounding teammates but also the one lining up next to him was unmistakable.

Still not fully fit, Thomas Partey grew into proceedings as the match wore on, seeing more of the ball and being able to influence attacking phases with his well-established qualities, as well as offering combativeness in front of his defenders.

His best moment in the match came in the 50th minute as he picked up a ball from Alexandre Lacazette. One touch to control, another to beat his man, one again to settle himself and a final caress to play the captain in one-on-one. Beating the Newcastle press while sporting his offensive cap, he crafted the opener. Fans loved to see, but so too did Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal, Granit Xhaka
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 18: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Granit Xhaka hails Thomas Partey influence in Arsenal win over Newcastle

"“You can see he brings a lot of experience and a high level,” Xhaka told Goal. “He wins a lot of duels and he is so good with the ball. “It is so important to have one guy like him, because the experience that he brings is so important for this young team. “He showed how important he is for us and we are so happy.”"

Xhaka has every right to be eulogizing about his (basically new) teammate, as the Ghanaian transforms the entire look of the team. The only midfielder in the squad to possess the progressive and athletic qualities he has, he brings out the best in those around him.

Beyond highlighting the positives in others, he simultaneously numbs their flaws. None more so than Xhaka.

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