Arsenal: 4 negatives of hard fought Burnley win

4. Arsenal Need Thomas Partey – Maybe Too Much

Arsenal’s midfield metronome.

Back from injury and deemed fit enough to not only start but anchor a midfield all by himself, the performance of Thomas Partey is one of the most encouraging aspects of the entire match. Sitting at the base of what was effectively a diamond, it was his job to receive possession from either centre-back and facilitate Arsenal moves from there.

Evading the press of Burnley’s two strikers, he performed this role superbly. His first time line breaking passes, comfort under pressure and weight of delivery were majestic. Watching him be surrounded by three men facing goal and feeding a first time pass out wide instead of into Chris Wood’s midriff was indescribably refreshing.

Playing as the single pivot in this system, or indeed playing in this team full stop, the prospect of having to go a single game without him is terrifying. Partey raises the level drastically and has a transformative impact in how Arsenal transition, defend, and attack.

For someone with his injury record, that’s concerning. There is nobody else in the team who can perform his role to anywhere near that standard. Sambi still has a long way to go in his development and while Arteta may have foolishly tried with Granit Xhaka at Manchester City, that will never work.

The midfield is nothing without Partey. While it can be solid and it can be effective, it can never be anywhere near as dynamic or multi-functional without the Ghanaian. The Ghanasaurus, as he is known as.

That reliance can be detrimental when the inevitable injury strikes. When so much of the play comes through one player the balance is lost and continuity lacking.

Just stay fit then, right? We don’t want to see Partey near any team that isn’t Premier League or FA Cup/EFL Cup semi-final.