Forget Raheem Sterling, one Arsenal player was even worse and almost cost Mikel Arteta against Leicester

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Arsenal left it late but managed to take three important points from their clash with Leicester City in the Premier League thanks to Mikel Merino.

The Gunners found it tough to break down the Foxes, with a few opportunities passing them by as the home side looked to keep them out.

Mikel Arteta finally saw his side pick the lock though as a brace from Merino saved the day and earned them all three points.

Arsenal were left buzzing with the midfielder, who played as an auxiliary striker from the bench but was left less pleased with his teammates.

One of which was Raheem Sterling, who left Arsenal fans far from happy with his display on the afternoon.

However, it wasn’t only the forward who had a difficult afternoon.

• READ MORE: Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli react to Arsenal win over Leicester with message to Mikel Merino

Thomas Partey struggled in Arsenal win over Leicester

One player who had a particularly difficult afternoon was Thomas Partey, who was tasked with sitting in the deeper midfield role.

The Ghanaian international was able to circulate the ball at times, but where he proved costly was in the areas where he couldn’t do so.

On one such occasion, a poor pass led to a quick transition from Leicester that could’ve ended with Arsenal going one goal down.

On top of that, his longer passing was far from good, landing just one out of the four he attempted on the day – via Sofascore.

That in itself took some sting out of the game at a moment when the Gunners needed to crank up the pressure.

Partey was eventually subbed off in favour of Jorginho, with the midfielder looking to offer his metronomic presence instead.

Just moments after came the two goals for Arsenal in a huge victory.

Taking to social media after the game, Partey admitted it was a difficult afternoon, stating on Instagram: “On days when I’m not at my best, the strength of the team carries us to victory. Vamoooosss.”

It was far from Partey’s best performance and points more and more as to needing a replacement in the midfield ranks.

• READ MORE: Alan Shearer reveals what Mikel Merino changed for Arsenal with striker shift against Leicester City

Arsenal look for Thomas Partey transfer replacements

With just under six months remaining on his contract at Arsenal, it seems more and more likely that Thomas Partey will leave the club.

While the midfielder has managed to stay fit and available compared to other seasons, there are other options being assessed.

Arsenal are closing in on a transfer for Martin Zubimendi, with the Real Sociedad star offering plenty of ability that is needed in the middle of the park.

The Spaniard can receive the ball on the half-turn, while his general press resistance makes him capable of building up well from the back.

Zubimendi can play longer passes if required, while he is far from a pushover when it comes to defensive transitions.

Games like the Leicester one show that Arsenal miss someone who can set the pace of a game in the middle, which is exactly what he can do.