BBC pundit says Thomas Partey was outstanding after Arsenal win

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Garth Crooks has admitted to BBC Sport that Thomas Partey has been somewhat overshadowed by Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka so far this season, but insisted that he was outstanding in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The Gunners got back on track with an amazing performance at the Emirates. Reiss Nelson scored twice, while Gabriel Martinelli and Odegaard bookended the scoring for Mikel Arteta’s side.

But there was also a rare goal for Partey. The Ghanaian scored for only the fourth time since joining the Gunners.

Thomas Partey was outstanding

In fairness, the strike was a carbon-copy of his opener in the North London derby earlier in the season, with Partey curling the ball past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box.

It is clear just how important Partey is to Arsenal’s fortunes out on the pitch. And Crooks suggested that he managed to really stand out on Sunday.

“Thomas Partey has been in outstanding form for the Gunners this season but has often found himself playing second fiddle in my selections to the likes of Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard. Well, not so against Nottingham Forest,” he told BBC Sport.

“The Ghana international was his normal resilient self but added a wonder goal to what was a sparkling performance. To be fair to the player, he has scored goals like this before.”

Arsenal back on track

Having Partey in the side is clearly a big boost to Arsenal. His presence gives Xhaka and Odegaard the freedom to pull the strings and make more of an impact in the final third.

There are a few players in Arteta’s squad they have struggled to replace when they have been unavailable. And Partey is definitely one member of the side who leaves a big void when he is not there.

Having said that, Arsenal deserve huge praise for bouncing back from a couple of less impressive results. They remain the pace-setters in the Premier League. And they are not slowing down right now.

So if they did lose Partey, you would not be surprised if the Gunners kept on moving forward and continued to silence their doubters.