Thomas Partey produces stand-out display in Man City defeat
|Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey produced a superb display during the club’s disappointing 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
The north London giants were the better team throughout the opening half. Bukayo Saka handed them a deserved 1-0 lead at the half-time interval.
They started the second half with a similar vigour, but a controversial penalty changed the tide of the game.
Granit Xhaka had a tuck on Bernardo Silva’s shirt, but it was blatant that the midfielder was on his way down when the Swiss attempted to stop him.
Just moment after City’s 57th-minute equaliser, Gabriel Martinelli squandered a clear-cut chance on the other end, and it ultimately came as a cost.
The Gunners went down to 10 men before the hour mark after Gabriel Magalhaes received his second yellow card. He was initially booked for dissent on the penalty decision.
The club showed tremendous defensive resolve with a man down until the third minute of stoppage time when Rodri scored off a lucky break for the league leaders.
The result did not go in the Gunners’ favour, but they were several stand-out performers including Partey, who produced his best showing of the campaign.
The midfielder has been prone to defensive errors over recent months, but he was superb against the Cityzens, winning nine aerial duels alongside four tackles.
He also managed five take-ons from six attempted, and took the challenge to Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Gunners deserved at least a point from the game. It was unfortunate that they came out with nothing despite putting the Cityzens’ defence to the sword initially.
There were positives with the club having nearly picked up a point with 10 men. Partey was instrumental, but he could be a big miss for the remainder of the month.
The £36 million star is off to the African Cup of Nations with Ghana. They are one of the competition’s favourites, and should be fancied to progress beyond their group.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Read: Arsenal eye Ollie Watkins as potential Aubameyang replacement.