[ad_1]
By patrolling in front of the four Arsenal defenders, Thomas Partey, 25 days after signing, was finally getting acquainted with his new surroundings.
In the end, it wasn’t the homecoming he would have dreamed of: losing to Leicester in front of an empty stadium.
At least he was not subjected to his own followers turning; something that Arsenal fans have not had to do in recent seasons.
But when the pain inflicted by Jamie Vardy’s punch wears off, Partey can reflect on an encouraging full home debut.
Of course, the club’s new £ 45m midfielder won’t realize what it really feels like to be a striker until he witnesses his new ground stomping around in full swing – the Emirates, like the rest of English football. , a shell of what it was before. now.
Not that he is caught off guard when the Emirates is full, Partey’s five years with Atlético de Madrid will ensure he takes it all in stride.
The 27-year-old positioned himself as the central pivot in Arsenal’s midfield three with minimal fuss, taking the Premier League with a confidence that should cheer his new manager Mikel Arteta.
His full debut, against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday night, was significantly more eye-catching.
But with all due respect to the Austrians, prevailing against an opposing midfield of Youri Tielemans and Nampalys Mendy is a completely different proposition.
This was by no means a spectacular home bow; but it didn’t need to be. Partey was in control, almost playing with himself.
It did have its moments, though: a powerful advance in the 18th minute provided a brief glimpse of Partey’s ability to break through midfield lines.
Then towards the end of the first half when James Justin slammed right into his back, Partey barely flinched as he swept away the wreckage of danger.
In fact, it was his new midfielder’s sense of discipline that would have warmed Arteta’s heart on what was a disappointing night.
His reading of the game and his ability to spot danger would have left the Arsenal manager satisfied that the Gunners have finally found the kind of central midfielder they have longed for for so long.
Of course, tougher tests await us. Arsenal and Partey travel to Manchester United on Sunday; we will have a healthier understanding of how long it will take for the 27-year-old to fully adjust to life in England.
Although, with this evidence, that shouldn’t take long.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
[ad_2]
