Thomas Partey’s role at Arsenal highlights clear Mikel Arteta problem, the solution is obvious

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Arsenal have not made the kind of start to this season that Mikel Arteta will have hoped for.

The Gunners are currently lagging behind table toppers Liverpool in the Premier League title race. The Reds currently hold a nine point lead ahead of the North London club.

On top of that, Arsenal have had to contend with an injury crisis this season, have faced disciplinary issues, and are now struggling to score goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side have netted just once in their last three games, across all competitions. The club’s ambitions of winning the title this season are hanging by a thread and things need to improve quickly.

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

How important is Thomas Partey to Arsenal?

One surprise bonus for Arsenal this season has been the form and fitness of Thomas Partey.

Time looked to be up for Partey at Arsenal towards the end of last season, after yet another injury hit campaign. 

However, against the odds, the Ghanaian has been able to established himself as a key player for the Gunners again and has started every Premier League game this season so far.

As Mikel Merino has endured a mixed start to his Arsenal career, Declan Rice has struggled for form and fitness, and Italian veteran Jorginho has fallen down the pecking order, Partey has been the Gunners’ standout midfielder this season. 

Whilst the player himself deserves credit for this turnaround, Arteta should not be entirely pleased with this state of affairs. As Arsenal are seeking to make progress, it should not be the case that the 31-year-old has been the club’s best player in the middle of the park this season. 

How can Arsenal cope without Partey?

There will come a time when Arsenal have to learn to live without Partey, either because his injury woes have resurfaced or because age has caught up with him. Arguably, Arteta ought to have already brought his side to such a point, where Partey represents a useful squad player rather than a nailed-on starter. 

The club need to begin the transition away from being so reliant upon the former Atletico Madrid man.

The best way for the manager to do that would be by installing Rice as the deepest-lying player in the midfield trio, where Partey is usually stationed, protecting the back four. The former West Ham United captain is familiar with this role and it is arguably where he is at his best. 

Meanwhile, this would create an opportunity for Merino to start more regularly, and would open the door for Ethan Nwaneri to come into the team more often.

Arsenal fans have been clamouring for more Nwaneri, and the transition away from Partey starting week in, week out would allow for his inclusion in the starting XI.