Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey put in a very poor display against Crystal Palace in the 2-2 draw yesterday evening.
The Ghanaian international gave the ball away in the build-up to Christian Benteke’s equaliser and he looked off the pace before he was eventually replaced by Gabriel Martinelli in the closing stages of the game.
A few fans on Twitter blamed manager Mikel Arteta for playing Partey as a lone holding midfielder but most felt they should expect a lot more from a player who cost £45m:
Awful performance
— Yes (@AahahaaaWW) October 18, 2021
He looked lost In the midfield, poor ball handling and turning. Nkt
— Owen Kish (@OwenKish) October 18, 2021
Too late Partey should have been taken off way early what an awful performance man…these all couldnt have gone any more worse after 4 games without a L this is certainly not the game to lose or even draw especially at home…
— Nemz (@Nemz45) October 18, 2021
Partey should have been subbed when he lost the ball which gave palace their first goal !!
— BP13 (@BP1378624140) October 18, 2021
I have never rated Partey… Always giving away passes in key areas and his decision making is so so poor!
— ⚠️See-Diffrently🌏 (@UK_Bernard) October 18, 2021
Embarrassing performance
— Alex🔴⚪ (@_AfcAlex) October 18, 2021
Horrible performance yet again
— stillarsenal (@dazzledem1) October 18, 2021
Easily Partey’s worst ever performance for Arsenal.
— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) October 18, 2021
Can’t play on his own, happens every time
— Ryan Parkes (@ryanparkes1986) October 18, 2021
I don't think Partey is as good as we think he is, let's stop finding excuses for him. 50m doesn't suddenly make u world class.
— Wale Babalola (@walebabz) October 18, 2021
He ain’t ever really been top class for us, had moments but nothing to convince you he is the player we thought we were getting, maybe that’s down to arteta
— Josh Roach #kronkeout #sellarsenal (@Joshroach02) October 18, 2021
Since arriving a year ago, the 28-year-old has never really looked convincing but many put it down to his struggles with injury. Perhaps he simply needs a longer run in the team to get up to speed but there were plenty of concerning moments against Palace.
As well as being caught out for Benteke’s goal, his passing was wayward, and his penchant for shooting from long range is extremely frustrating.