Arsenal’s frustrating defeat to PSG in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final was characterised by those watching on from the sidelines, unable to make an impact in the game.
Mikel Arteta has been dealing with absences for much of the season, with injury concerns biting hard at certain flashpoints in the campaign.
Several injured aces watched on at the Emirates Stadium, including the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Riccardo Calafiori, as their teammates were stifled by the PSG press.
With Arsenal losing 1-0 to PSG, many can’t help but think if things could’ve been different if those players were available.
Included in that is Thomas Partey, who missed out on the clash and had to watch on.
Partey’s suspension in the Champions League proved costly, while also proving why he is so important to the team in Europe.
- READ MORE: Ian Wright gives verdict on referee calls during Arsenal vs PSG that annoyed fans, ‘I don’t wanna…’
Arsenal missed Thomas Partey in midfield against PSG
It’s fair to say that the Arsenal midfield balance wasn’t quite right when they took on PSG in the first leg of their Champions League clash.
Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves ran the show for large parts of the match, with the Gunners finding it hard to control the opening stages of the match.
The central ranks were a particular problem, with Declan Rice forced to play a deeper role, while Mikel Merino was dropped back into the midfield.
In transition, in particular, when the game got stretched, Arsenal struggled to keep up with the ability of the tricky wingers and the onrushing midfielders.
That was felt particularly by a lack of Thomas Partey in the unit, having impressed with his performances in recent weeks.
The Ghanaian international may have taken up a better position to deny Ousmane Dembele, for example, stopping him from scoring.
His ability to stop counterattacks was a particular miss for the side, who now have all of the work to do in Paris.
Fortunately for Arsenal, Partey is available once again, with the 31-year-old able to show exactly what the side were missing.
In not playing, perhaps he sent the clearest contract message yet to sporting director Andrea Berta ahead of the summer.
- READ MORE: Arsenal must now emulate Tottenham feat to reach Champions League final, it has only happened twice
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta sent clear Thomas Partey contract message
If there’s one thing that the defeat to PSG proved, it’s just how important Partey appears to be to this current Arsenal team.
The midfielder may well have sent a clear message to the Gunners over his future in that absence too.
Partey is out of contract this summer, prompting some uncertainty over a potential stay at the Emirates Stadium or an exit.
Arsenal have started contract talks with Partey, with a view to potentially keeping him on for at least another season.
The midfielder is looking at his options, though, with plenty of interest coming from abroad over a move.
It remains to be seen whether Partey will stay at Arsenal, but it’s clear just how important he is to the team this season, sending a clear message that the side may well have to offer that new deal or take to the transfer market to find a replacement.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
