Arsenal told they will be ‘in trouble’ if Thomas Partey does not play against Tottenham Hotspur
Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has claimed that the Gooners will be ‘in trouble’ if Thomas Partey does not play against Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday.
Partey has only played three games so far for the Gooners this season and missed four games due to injury in all competitions. Speaking to Betting Expert (h/t Irish Mirror), the former Arsenal defender gave his thoughts.
“He [Partey] is a big piece of the puzzle for Mikel Arteta. Arsenal is showing they are stretched as soon as there is an injury to Xhaka or Partey. They are short on bodies so it could be problematic this season. So if he doesn’t play, that is trouble for Arsenal.”
The Ghana international has been pivotal for his side in the middle of the park. If the player misses out, it is likely that Albert Sambi Lokonga will start the game with Granit Xhaka in the midfield.
Antonio Conte will be happy to hear this. The Ghana international has proven to be very good in the midfield as he performs his duty as a box-to-box midfielder with all dedication.
Seeing Lokonga start could help Spurs apply pressure on him. The midfielder is just 22 and still is not so confident on the ball. This will present a perfect opportunity for either Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg or Rodrigo Bentancur to press him.
The duo is likely to start against our neighbours as they have been fantastic for Conte in the middle of the park. Still, the Gooners cannot be taken lightly. Arsenal have only lost one game so far this season and have a very good and young squad.
Conte will hope to continue his unbeaten start to this season in the league. Spurs currently sit third on the table with 17 points, one behind leaders Arsenal. A win and favourable results elsewhere could see Spurs finish this week as leaders.
More Tottenham News:
- Tottenham and Arsenal targeted striker Jonathan David before Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus transfers
- Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski could miss Arsenal clash due to muscle injury
- Tottenham Hotspur earmark Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak as Hugo Lloris replacement
Nevertheless, the north London derby is something that Tottenham will look to avoid defeat at. Fans will hope for a victory for their side so that they can troll their neighbours, till at least the reverse fixture.