Burnley vs Arsenal: 4 talking points from infuriating draw

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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Burnley and Arsenal at Turf Moor on March 6, 2021 in Burnley, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

Thomas Partey Gets Valuable Minutes

Playing a lovely one-two with Xhaka in Arsenal’s third, Thomas Partey burst beyond his marker to receive the return, took one touch to let him scan the pitch ahead before playing a ball through to Willian in between the lines that cut out the entire Burnley midfield.

That one passage of play was everything the other midfielders in the squad can’t provide. Perhaps on occasion if the situation allows it.

Partey’s ball through to Willian created the opening goal. The line-breaking pass arriving after a nimble one-two demonstrated exactly why he was brought to the club. Having the ability to make those differences in matches despite barely playing this season and not being at full fitness is what this side has lacked in abundance.

His influence on the game waned in the second half as sharpness and fatigue played a part. Nonetheless, his weight of pass and footwork shone on a pitch that was crying out for the ball to be anywhere but on the turf.

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It’s vital that the Ghanaian gets minutes into his legs as the Europa League last 16 comes around as that’s Arsenal’s one and only basket left this season. And with each passing game we’ll be witness to further sequences of play as in the opening stages. Partey at the estimated 65% he was at on Saturday is still streaks ahead of the rest. As that number climbs fans will keep purring.

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