Arsenal: 4 reasons behind worrying Thomas Partey form

3. Opposition Sides Target Thomas Partey More

Partey offers Arsenal centrality. He is a dangerous tool that when given license to get on the ball and feed line breaking passes can hurt the best sides in Europe.

Naturally, the opposition will find ways to counter that.

Liverpool is a recent example of Partey being deliberately marked out of the game. Sambi was the man left free by Jurgen Klopp’s side to try and dictate the play for Arsenal because he’s seen as less of a threat in their eyes. Rightly so, even if he’s taking big strides.

Teams gather data points on who they’re facing and mark out the players of biggest threat. Cut Partey out of the game and you immediately stand a greater chance of reducing Arsenal’s threat.

Just because he’s being man-marked or doubled up on doesn’t mean he is given a free ride, however. Partey is a press resistant midfielder and his feints beyond markers is one of his most endearing traits, so there has to be more on his part to impact games where he is being singled out as a threat.

It can be part of the reason for him being, shall we say, more ineffective of late than all parties would like. Anyone preparing their team to face Arsenal will look to limit Partey’s time on the ball or prevent him from assuming possession entirely.

Any sane manager would instruct their team of this, and it can be having a bearing.

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