“Schoolboy stuff” – Paul Merson dosen’t hold back about Thomas Partey’s display agianst Aston Villa

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Mikel Arteta’s titles hopes suffered a major blow against Aston Villa.

After racing into a 2-0 lead, Arsenal would be hit with two hammer blows from Unai Emery’s men, with Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins silencing the Emirates.

Gabriel Martinelli earned praise from Gunners fans, but there were a number of disappointing Arsenal displays, with Thomas Partey earning a 4/10 rating against Aston Villa.

The Ghanaian struggled all evening as a makeshift full-back and Paul Merson has since honed on the 31-year-olds frustrating display.

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Paul Merson slams Thomas Partey’s performance versus Aston Villa

William Saliba’s injury absence forced Mikel Arteta’s hand into making changes, with the Spaniard having to resuflle the Arsenal backline.

Partey has edured a poor record at full-back over recent months and that continued against the Villians.

Speaking on SkySports, Arsenal legend Merson analysed Partey’s poor display, particularly his positioning for Watkins’ equaliser.

“He has played for one of the most disciplined defensive teams in Europe, in Atletico Madrid. He’s an older player, a defensive midfield player – he should see the danger. You cannot do that. That can’t win you league titles. It’s just phenomenal what he has done.

“I could understand if it was a young kid who just got in the team but this man has played for Atletico Madrid, one of the most disciplined defensive teams in Europe, that should be his game.

Thomas Partey’s worrying stats vs Aston Villa

Whether it be his inability to stop Lucas Digne’s cross or his poor marking for the equaliser – it’s safe to say Partey endured a very bad day at the office.

The Ghanaian’s stats suggest his performance may have not been as bad as people think – on the other hand, though, stats and numbers don’t equate to goal-defining mistakes like Partey’s.

Arteta will no doubt be assessing his defensive options ahead of the Dinamo Zagreb clash, with the Partey right-back conundrum no doubt playing heavy on the Arsenal manager’s mind.