Mikel Arteta shares what Thomas Partey has been doing differently in Arsenal training, after Palace draw

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Mikel Arteta has told his press conference – as per Football London – that Thomas Partey has been working on his shooting in Arsenal training.

The Gunners drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace at The Emirates on Monday evening, thanks to Alexandre Lacazette’s injury-time equaliser.

Arsenal had taken the lead, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang tapping home after a Nicolas Pepe shot was palmed into his path by Vicente Guaita.

But Palace came roaring back. Christian Benteke smashed home an equaliser, and then, Odsonne Edouard scored after a quick counter attack.

Partey, 28, took on three shots from long range during the match – none with really any danger of hitting the back of the net.

One did have Guaita needing to make a save, but it was comfortable. Arteta spoke about how he is working on Partey’s long-range shooting.

“Today he was much closer than he’s been. It’s something we’re practising with him. He’s trying and he needs to keep trying, but in the right areas.”

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The potential is there. Partey regularly picks the ball up, 30 yards out, with space in front of him. Now and then, he should pull the trigger.

But he is yet to score in his 39 games at Arsenal, and is lacking the goal threat he had at Atletico – netting 16 goals in 188 games for the La Liga side.

So, Partey has it within him. Perhaps it is just about finding that first goal, and then it will unlock the confidence to score a few more.

But improving his shooting is a good idea from Arteta – something he has noticed that the Gunners certainly lack; goals from elsewhere.