Positives & negatives from Arsenal's 1-1 draw vs. Brentford

Arsenal dropped more Premier League points and removed any lingering suspense about the title race by limping to a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford on Saturday, April 12.

Thomas Partey gave Arsenal a 61st-minute lead the hosts just about deserved, but Yoane Wissa's smartly taken equaliser 13 minutes later was enough to ensure a stalemate. Now, leaders Liverpool need only two wins to wrap up the title well ahead of schedule.

Frankly, that was a problem long since out of Arsenal's control, but this draw did highlight more pressing concerns for Mikel Arteta's team. Like the manager rolling the dice one too many times with his approach to squad management, leaving his team a man short during the crucial closing stages.

Arsenal had already lost the impetus, even after Arteta called for the big guns from the bench. Not even Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard could make a dent.

Ironically, the Gunners missed Saka's stand-in Ethan Nwaneri, who dazzled for just over an hour before getting hooked. Nwaneri's technique was missed, but Arsenal could have used a lot more from Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian has been showing signs of life lately, but Martinelli was off the pace in multiple ways against the Bees. Instead, Partey took up the mantle of a long below-par player returning to form.

Positives & negatives from Arsenal's 1-1 draw vs. Brentford

Positive #1: Thomas Partey back on song

He was a powerhouse in midfield during the demolition of Real Madrid, but Partey looked just as accomplished as an auxiliary right-back. He never lacked strength in one-on-one situations, was rarely shy about getting forward, and provided a consistent threat from set-pieces.

Partey's growing confidence as a raiding attacking outlet was beautifully illustrated by his goal. A surging run timed to perfection left Partey well placed to receive a deft pass from Declan Rice, but it was the finish that merited most attention.

He unleashed a thumping hit high above Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken. It was the kind of emphatic contribution Partey hasn't produced enough of since signing in 2020. Partey's struggles have long been a point of concern, and the cynic in all of us won't be oblivious to the fact his recent mini revival coincides nicely with being out of contract in the summer.

That's an issue for another day. For now, Arteta at least still counts Partey as an important part of his plans. Somebody whose muscle, height and utility will continue to be useful during the remainder of a campaign when Europe's top prize is still firmly within the Gunners' collective grasp.

Partey is hitting form at the right time, but another senior Arsenal figure could be faltering in the worst moment.

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