Wright shares Thomas Partey concern after Arsenal loss at Palace

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Ian Wright has told Wrighty’s House that Arsenal may have now been found out, with Crystal Palace managing to stop Thomas Partey getting the ball to Martin Odegaard on Monday.

The Gunners produced their most disappointing display in the Premier League since losing to Everton in December. They missed the chance to move back into fourth in the table as they were thrashed 3-0 by Palace.

Arsenal were not at the races by any means. A number of their players produced their worst performances for some time. And Partey and Odegaard was two of those who endured torrid evenings.

The pair have been outstanding in the Arsenal midfield for some time. Many Arsenal fans have spent the last few months lauding the club for signing Odegaard permanently. Meanwhile, there seemed to be a sense that everything was clicking for Partey.

However, both really struggled on Monday. And Wright believes that Palace knew exactly how to play against them. Worryingly, he suggested that it may be something other teams can now replicate against Arsenal.

“Tavares, Gabriel, Soares was always going to have problems – it was always going to be very tough for Saka and Smith Rowe,” he told Wrighty’s House.

“They had a contingency plan for Partey in Conor Gallagher. What they found out and what teams have found out is if you stop Partey progressing the ball to Odegaard you’re probably going to stop us.”

Arsenal character will be under scrutiny with Thomas Partey now sidelined

Arsenal now have to bounce back. They face a tough run of games, and Tottenham are getting some momentum going.

What will not help is that the Gunners have now been dealt some real injury setbacks. Arsenal confirmed that Kieran Tierney is likely to miss the rest of the season. Partey meanwhile, is being assessed after coming off on Monday.

Losing those two players for any significant period will make their task no easier. The character within the squad is certainly going to be put to the test over the coming weeks.

It would now be a massive achievement if Arsenal do indeed take that fourth spot.