Arsenal should throw Thomas Partey straight in against Man City with Kevin De Bruyne missing – TBR View

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Arsenal take on Manchester City this weekend as the Gunners look to continue their rise under Mikel Arteta with a trip to their manager’s old stomping ground in the north-west.

The Gunners head into the game in high spirits and plenty to be happy about following a busy summer.

The club managed to keep hold of the likes of Aubameyang, while the signings of Gabriel and Willian look to be inspired pieces of business by the north London outfit.

Another new name into the fold is Thomas Partey. The Ghana star completed his move to the club on deadline day and could well ge this debut this weekend at The Etihad.

And with Pep Guardiola confirming that Kevin De Bruyne will miss the game for City, the time may be perfect for Partey to be thrust straight into the action.

Easier ride

Obviously, City have a wealth of talent at their disposal and just because De Bruyne is missing does not mean Partey will get an easy day at the office.

However, there’s also no arguing that his day has been made considerably easier by the Belgian not playing. ‘KDB’ is one of the best midfielders in world football, so it goes without saying it’s a bonus.

Partey would, no doubt, have the confidence in his ability to shackle the City ace. But if De Bruyne did run riot, then the critics would be straight in at the Arsenal newboy commenting on how he needs to adapt and so forth. It’s just the nature of the beast.

Mikel Arteta, then, now has the perfect chance to almost ease Partey into Premier League action.

Yes, it’s a game against a Pep Guardiola team and yes it’s a City team still high on quality. But if you’re ever going to get an opening and invite to bring a new player into the fold in a huge game, then De Bruyne being missing is that invite.