The win over Manchester United highlighted the difference in managerial quality between Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – but the 1-0 Arsenal victory should have convinced the Gunners over a new contract, too.
Arteta completely outwitted Solskjaer. His midfield engine room of Thomas Partey and Mo Elneny was too much for Manchester United’s diamond, with Partey gaining enormous plaudits for what was his best outing in an Arsenal shirt so far.
But it was Partey’s midfield partner that deserves even more praise. His Arsenal career seemed over under Unai Emery, when he was shipped out on loan to Besiktas last season. But under Arteta, he has rediscovered his Arsenal form.

Now, he is in the best form he has ever been while on the Arsenal books. But the Egypt international has entered the final two years of his contract at Arsenal, which sees him currently earn £50,000 a week (Spotrac).
Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United showed Arteta is far ahead of Solskjaer – but it also highlighted the importance of Elneny. Completing 65 out of 75 passes, second only to Partey in touched with 75. He was excellent.
The victory, then, also reminded Arsenal fans just what Elneny can do. Given that Partey earns £200,000 a week (Sun) – four times as much as Elneny – surely the latter deserves a pay rise and a new contract, following Sunday’s efforts.

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