Thomas Partey claimed the Man of the Match award in his full debut for Arsenal, when the Gunners played Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Europa League.
The Ghana international produced a dominant midfield performance, helping Mikel Arteta’s side to a 2-1 win in Austria.
Goals from David Luiz and captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, clinched the win for Arsenal in their group opener.
After Thursday night’s EUROPA game, the headlines have been dominated by Partey’s masterful performance in midfield.
Paired in midfield with Mohammed Elneny, Partey proceeded to boss the game, demonstrating not only his strength and tackling ability, but his sweet passing as well.
🥁 Introducing your MOTM tonight… @ThomasPartey22 👏
🏆 #UEL pic.twitter.com/u1zNLkaevk
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 22, 2020
At the end of the first half, Partey had made 43 passes and completed 93% of them.
He finished with a passing accuracy of 90%. Partey also attempted three more long passes, finding his mark with two of them.
The Black Stars midfielder earned massive applauds from Arsenal fans and even a few supporters of opposition clubs who were in awe of his ability.
Popular Arsenal fan, Piers Morgan describes Partey as the club’s replacement for Patrick Viera.
Partey's the real deal – strong, quick, silky smooth, commanding.
It's taken 15 years, but we've finally found a replacement for @OfficialVieira. #afc pic.twitter.com/4ch3ATD7hk— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 22, 2020
Former Arsenal player, Martin Keown said Partey oozed class and added a touch of calmness to Arsenal’s midfield.
“I think when you see a player immediately add that touch of class, who wants to play and makes things happen. He’s so silky smooth, he’s oozed class and been everywhere,” he said.
Arsenal are losing but in 64 minutes Thomas Partey has:
68 touches
56/60 passes completed (93.3%)
7/8 duels won
— 4/5 ground
— 3/3 aerial
4/4 long balls completed
4/4 tackles wonHe is such a technically clean footballer and was available for just €43m. It sucks. pic.twitter.com/poPa3RS84g
— UtdArena (@utdarena) October 22, 2020
Owen Hargreaves added that he was amazed by the technical quality Partey possessed.
“This guy makes it look so easy. He plays (number) 10 passes as a holding midfielder.”
Arsenal face Leicester City this weekend, and based off tonight’s showing, Partey is definitely in contention for his first Premier League start.
