3 ways the return of Thomas Partey can boost Arsenal

3. Greater scope for tactical flexibility

Surely a positive factor overall, even if it leads to the re-introduction of our fullback experiment…

Mikel Arteta drew ‘galaxy brain’ accusations for his many madcap tweaks earlier this season, including the benching of Gabriel for three consecutive games, loaning David Raya and moving Partey to an inverted right-back role.

But those changes did make Arsenal difficult to predict, and some would argue that the lack of such mystery has contributed to our recent domestic stumble.

In addition to a somewhat fixed first XI, the Gunners seem set in their ways with playing style too- taking extra touches, playing at a slow pace and not asking enough questions of the opposition before barely doing enough for three points.

That might change with Partey as he offers plenty of tactical flexibility himself (shown by his past full-back residence), yet also enables tweaks elsewhere (as previously mentioned) and could provide a rotation option as we juggle multiple competitions- giving Arteta the wiggle room he needs to pick up much-needed silverware.

It appears rival teams have figured us out, so Partey’s return (hopefully later this month) will be most welcome.