Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey’s ability to make a significant impact in the Premier League title race as he nears a return to full fitness.
Partey has faced injury setbacks this season, limiting his appearances to just four top-flight games. However, with his impending return, Arteta anticipates the Ghanaian international’s contribution in bolstering Arsenal’s midfield.
Having played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s title challenge last season, Arteta is eager to witness the partnership Partey can forge with Declan Rice, another key addition to the squad. Rice, who joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window for a record fee of £105 million, previously played alongside Partey in midfield during the Community Shield triumph over Manchester City in August.
Partey – Gabriel – Rice
Despite being deployed in various roles, including right-back, due to tactical adjustments and injury concerns, Partey’s imminent return promises to provide Arteta with added depth and quality in midfield, potentially influencing Arsenal’s pursuit of success in the Premier League title race.
Quizzed if Rice could help Partey perform to an even higher level, Arteta said: ‘For sure.
‘I will have to see that chemistry on the pitch, and those qualities, and the things we have to treat around to make sure they play to their strengths and make each other better. But I think that will be a very powerful midfield.
Rice (blue) – Partey (blue)
‘I think they only played in the Community Shield together in midfield. That tells you how much we have missed Thomas.
‘To play the whole season – and a player like him who has not played much with us – the impact he can have for the next three months can be really big.’
Meanwhile, Arteta feels that Arsenal will need to rack up at least 90 points to land their first Premier League trophy in 20 years.
‘You might have to win every game,’ he added. ‘There are a lot of games and we are all going to have crazy schedules and this league might be different to last season. Anything under 90 points I think would be very difficult.’
