With Arsenal challenging at the top of the English Premier League table, Ghana star Thomas Partey looks set to play a big role for the Gunners after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
A crucial figure in the Black Stars' squad, the former Atletico Madrid midfielder has been finding some strong form this season. That could go a long way in helping Arsenal end their wait for the Premier League crown.
Partey Finding Consistency
Last season was one that ended in disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, as the Gunners missed out on qualification for the Champions League. Looking at ExpressVPN's streaming infographic we can see that Arsenal are not regarded as not one of the top-five streamed teams in England. Football fans are instead choosing to search for options to stream Man City, Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs.
Playing in the Champions League could help the Gunners break into that group. Partey played 24 times in the Premier League that season, scoring two goals in the process for the North London outfit. Missing out on a top-four finish will have been tough for Partey and the rest of the Arsenal squad to take but the Gunners have responded well this season.
Partey has found some consistency with his performances in the English top flight and already has scored two Premier League goals this season in his first 11 appearances. Becoming a key member of Arteta’s starting lineup at the Emirates, the Ghana talisman Partey is showing the form that made him such a hit during his time in the Spanish capital with Atleti.
Ghana Star Can Help Gunners Rekindle Form
All eyes are on how Arsenal fare once the Premier League season resumes after the World Cup in Qatar. Partey is likely to be an important figure in helping the Gunners hit the ground running. Arteta’s side enjoyed a strong start to the domestic campaign with just one defeat in their first 14 games of the season. Beating the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea, the Gunners went on an eight-game unbeaten run before the major tournament in Qatar. Partey was an important figure in that successful spell for Arsenal, scoring a goal in the derby against Spurs and in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
Partey’s attention will of course have shifted to the World Cup in Qatar but after the dust has settled on the tournament in the Middle East, the 29-year-old will have a job to do with Arsenal. Reigning English champions Manchester City found themselves five points behind the Gunners before the World Cup break and Pep Guardiola’s side will be determined to narrow the gap.
It will be interesting to see how Partey, and the other players who went to represent their nations at the World Cup, fare after the competition in Qatar. The disruption of a major tournament mid-season is not something any of these players will have experienced before and it will take mental strength to refocus on their club duties after the thrill of a World Cup.
As an experienced midfielder, Partey should take it all in his stride and it’s exciting to see where he and the Gunners can go in the title race this season.