Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

4 observations from Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace

By Victor Salazar

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Partey was fortunate not to give away a penalty. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Partey was fortunate not to give away a penalty. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

3. Thumbs down for the Partey inverted RB role

Arteta knows more football than many of us, but I am not sure Partey playing the inverted right-back role is paying off. It takes a bit of continuity away from the team.

Maybe it pays off later in the season when the right side gels better with time, but I for one miss the linkup between Ben White and Bukayo Saka which was efficient and effortless last season.

Perhaps the tactics work in the long run, but Saka and White played well with each other on the right flank and created a lot last season.

Partey also isn’t the most mobile in one-on-one situations and better teams will exploit the Ghanaian’s vulnerability defending out wide should Arteta continue to stick with the ploy.

Continued on the next slide…

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