Troy Deeney explains importance of Thomas Partey to Arsenal, after Sunday win

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Troy Deeney has explained the importance of Arsenal summer signing Thomas Partey on TalkSPORT (Monday, 7.35am) after The Gunners midfielder starred during Sunday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Paul Pogba clumsily fouled Hector Bellerin in the penalty area. It saw The Gunners man end his five-game drought without a league goal.

But it was Arsenal’s midfield that seemingly won the match for the Gunners. Mo Elneny was excellent as the Egypt international continues to shine on his return from a loan at Besiktas, but summer signing Partey earned plenty of plaudits.

Roy Keane claimed he would have loved Partey at Manchester United in his immediate post-match analysis of the 1-0 Gunners win. Deeney applauded the importance of Partey and claims his presence gives the Gunners defence confidence.

“It is interesting to hear the characteristics they were looking for before signing Partey,” Deeney said. “He was very good at Atletico. He is giving the defence that confidence there is going to be someone to cover all the time. He is a big powerful boy.”

TBR’s view – Partey can take Arsenal into the top four

In what promises to be a topsy-turvy season, Arsenal have a real chance of breaking into the Champions League places. After seven games played, they are just a point off fourth and only four behind leaders Liverpool.

But Partey’s quality, tenacity and ability to raise his game in the big matches – such as Sunday – might just give Arsenal the edge they need to break back in. WhoScored’s stats on Partey shows just how important he was against United.

More touches than anyone with 84, as well as a whopping 93.2% pass success rate after completing 55 of his 59 passes, Partey outshone his Arsenal teammates. That composure and confidence will prove to be an enormous boost for Arsenal.