Arsenal get ideal Partey & Lacazette displays for Slavia Prague

Arsenal simply had to beat Sheffield United on Sunday. Absolutely nothing else would have sufficed. But, beyond that, they needed to win comfortably and with performances to mask over the first leg against Slavia Prague. They got that from Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette.

It’s a desert-like landscape and there’s not a bush in sight to beat around: Sheffield United are hopelessly poor.

Any victory at Bramall Lane would come tinged with the obvious caveat, one that can’t be overlooked or hidden away at the back of our brains as hopes seeps into the primary psyche, but it was imperative that two players on the night put in solid shifts.

Sunday’s captain, Alexandre Lacazette, couldn’t have grafted harder with two expertly taken goals that justified his selection, even if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s absence meant his place in the team was never under threat.

Arsenal get ideal Thomas Partey & Alexandre Lacazette displays ahead of Slavia Prague Europa League clash

Those two goals have significance, as he was guilty of two poor misses against the Czech side – one that felt easier to score than scooping onto the crossbar.

Overall he was excellent, interchanging with Bukayo Saka are digging his heels in defensively, setting the stage perfectly for the return leg. One he must start after such a display, especially since Slavia Prague are unlikely to afford similar space in behind as at the Emirates and as well if Arteta wants to employ fellow forward who will attack the box. Those whose names don’t begin with ‘W’.

Mikel Arteta insisted supporters would see the best of Thomas Partey before the end of the season, and acting as a single pivot in the unorthodox 1-3-6 attacking setup Arsenal adopted at stages, he was vastly improved.

Not as progressive as he would normally have been with a midfield partner, such as Granit Xhaka, he did attempt a few questionable misplaced passes that against stronger opposition would have been pounced upon.

However, clean in his touches and elegant with his carries, he looked closer to what has been expected of him since his arrival. There are still a few edges to smooth out, and as mentioned the quality of opposition needs highlighting, but he controlled the midfield throughout and then topped it off with a world class turn in the centre of the park before putting it on a plate for Lacazette.

Two players in need of lifting their game after disappointing nights in midweek, preparations for Thursday were, in the circumstances, ideal. Now follow through.