Arsenal Fans React to Loss Against Kudus' Tottenham in North London Derby: "We Miss Partey"
- Arsenal supporters voiced their frustration after the team suffered its first pre-season loss
- Many fans pointed fingers at Thomas Partey’s absence, blaming it for the defeat to arch-rivals Tottenham
- Manager Mikel Arteta stressed the club acted in line with proper legal protocols regarding Partey’s issues
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Arsenal’s pre-season momentum took a hit in Hong Kong, and their fans are not taking it lightly.
In what was the first North London derby to be staged outside the United Kingdom, the Gunners fell to a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Thursday, July 31.
Source: Getty Images
Pape Matar Sarr's screamer downs Arsenal
Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and firing 16 shots with only one on target, per Flashscore, Mikel Arteta's men were undone by a single moment of indecision.
A misjudged pass from goalkeeper David Raya to youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly opened the door for Spurs midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.
The Senegalese star, who has enjoyed a fine preseason, seized the opportunity.
After pressing Lewis-Skelly and nicking the ball, he looked up, noticed Raya off his line, and unleashed a thunderbolt from near the halfway line. The shot flew straight into the net.
Watch the video:
Arsenal fans rue Partey’s absence
Although Arsenal had several chances to respond, they lacked bite in the final third.
Their midfield, usually so assured under pressure, looked vulnerable, and that was where fans noticed the void left by Thomas Partey.
The Ghanaian midfielder ended his five-year stint with the club this summer after failing to agree to terms for a contract extension.
While the financial aspects had largely been ironed out, both sides could not agree on the length of the new deal, leading to his exit.
And if this performance is anything to go by, Arsenal may feel the weight of that decision.
Supporters did not hold back. Many took to social media to express concern over the lack of a commanding figure in midfield: someone who could absorb pressure and dictate play from deep.
Here’s how some fans reacted on X (formerly Twitter):
@KabiruAkej82919 wrote:
"I totally believe Arsenal will definitely miss Thomas Partey, and I believe Arteta really wanted to retain Partey, but Arteta can’t decide on that alone but Arsenal will definitely miss him this season big time."
@poswura added:
"Only Partey can protect the ball under pressure."
@profdosArsenal kept it simple:
"Thomas Partey. Arsenal should just re-sign him. Simple."
@ChelseaBusta observed:
"Arsenal can't build up from the back without Partey."
@kinpelG pointed out:
"Unfortunately, it is only TP who can receive that pass and still make a line-breaking pass to Saka or Odegaard. The players would miss him more."
Although a return for Partey appears unlikely, especially given the legal cloud surrounding his name, Arsenal has tried to plug the gap with new additions.
The arrivals of Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are intended to bring balance, but whether they can replicate Partey’s influence remains to be seen.
Source: Getty Images
Arteta and his side still have time to work out the irregularities. Two more preseason fixtures await: a clash against Villarreal on August 6, according to Sofascore.
This will be followed by a meeting with Inaki Williams’ Athletic Bilbao three days later.
Arsenal boss speaks about Partey
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has broken his silence regarding how the club is managing Thomas Partey’s legal case.
The Premier League side has come under fire for letting the midfielder play, despite the gravity of the allegations levelled against him.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
