Gary Lineker spots something Mikel Arteta did to Thomas Partey recently – it worked wonders for Arsenal

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Arsenal largely defended well as they battled to a 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal limited Chelsea to very few chances in this Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge. 

Whilst Mikel Arteta was furious with his Arsenal players due to the manner in which they conceded the Blues’ equaliser, the Gunners’ goalkeeper David Raya was otherwise largely untested in this encounter. 

The North London club achieved this by effectively countering Enzo Maresca’s tactics and denying time and space to the hosts’ key players.

• READ MORE: All Mikel Arteta signings at Arsenal ranked from worst to best

Gary Lineker reveals Mikel Arteta instruction to Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey was integral to the Gunners’ defensive effort in West London. 

The Arsenal midfielder was given a specific task which he carried out to great effect.

Partey has reignited his Arsenal career this season, and has arguably been the Gunners’ most impressive and consistent player in the middle of the park in recent weeks. 

Gary Lineker noticed that the Ghanaian had a key job to perform against Chelsea. 

Speaking on The Rest is Football, the former England striker said: “I think he [Arteta] definitely told Partey to keep a close eye on Cole Palmer in that game. Understandably so, because he can obviously make things happen.”

How Partey helped Arsenal to stop Chelsea star Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer is undoubtedly Chelsea’s danger man. Since the start of last season, when he made his debut for the Blues following his switch from Manchester City, he has been in electric form.

Palmer career stats for Chelsea:

However, Partey was able to stick to the 22-year-old attacking-midfielder like glue throughout the game at Stamford Bridge, using his guile and experience to cut off passing lanes and deny his opponent space.

Arteta will be delighted with how the 31-year-old performed the task appointed to him. He has now provided the blueprint for other Premier League clubs to follow when it comes to limiting Palmer’s ability to influence a game.

Arteta’s tactics have been criticised recently, but he got this detail spot on against the Blues.