Arsenal losing Thomas Partey to injury will be music to Tottenham and Conte’s ears

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal fans will be keen to see their team return to action next weekend as Tottenham come to The Emirates Stadium.

In one of the biggest North London Derbies for some time, Arsenal look like they might have to take on their rivals without a certain Thomas Partey. The Ghana midfielder has been sent home early from international duty and there is a worry among Gunners fans that his is yet another injury setback for Partey.

Since signing, Partey has become a key player for the Gunners. However, a number of injury problems have meant a lack of consistency and ultimately, Partey’s absences have cost Arsenal. Indeed, this season he has already missed four games in the Premier League. Arsenal conceded in each of those games, and succumbed to their only defeat as well, losing 3-1 at Man United.

In contrast, the four games Partey has featured in have all ended with three points. Indeed, the Gunners have only conceded once with Partey in midfield, and it was no surprise his return against Brentford coincided with a comfortable 3-0 win.

Is it possible, then, that Partey has already handed the NLD to Antonio Conte and Tottenham?

Partey Missing Gives Tottenham The Edge

There is absolutely no doubt that Thomas Partey being out for Arsenal will encourage Tottenham. So much of the game can be won or lost in the middle of the park and for all Arsenal’s brilliant forward players, Partey is the glue that holds it all together in midfield.

Very much like Pierre Hojbjerg at Spurs, Partey’s influence cannot be underestimated and it is for that reason that Spurs now very much hold the upper hand going into this weekend. Add in Spurs’ own good news in having Ivan Perisic fit despite a knock for Croatia, and the odds are stacking in Conte’s side’s favour.

Mikel Arteta will know deep down that he needs Partey for this game. It seems, then, that there is a race against time for the Ghanaian to prove his fitness.