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Paul Merson thinks Arsenal are missing a trick regarding Thomas Partey
that he believes Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are missing a trick over their usage of Thomas Partey – as the Gunners legend reckons the Ghanaian would be the perfect anchor for Mesut Ozil to shine.
Partey, 27, enjoyed his best game in an Arsenal shirt since his £45million move to north London from Atletico Madrid – helping Arteta’s side perform a tactical masterclass to overcome Manchester United at Old Trafford 1-0.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal proved the difference, with Mesut Ozil watching on from the sidelines – after the 92-time Germany ace was left out of both the Premier League and Europa League squads.
Arsenal icon Merson reckons Arteta has missed a trick. He thinks that Partey’s discipline in the holding midfield role would bring the best out of Mesut Ozil – allowing Ozil the freedom to shine with the knowledge Partey is there behind him.
“I think there was a stage for Ozil now Partey’s in the team,” . “With Partey in there now who’s so dominant in there and doesn’t lose the ball, I think there was a place for Ozil now. I think there was.
“If they do drop someone in to pick up Ozil, you’ve got someone like Partey who’s very comfortable on the ball and can hurt you. That frees a midfield player up. I think there’s a trick being missed here. I think it would’ve opened up a space for Ozil.”
TBR’s view – Chelsea midfield proves Ozil and Partey could have worked
Against Burnley, Chelsea dominated and earned a 3-0 win at Turf Moor on Saturday. It saw Frank Lampard change his midfield, playing N’Golo Kante as a pivot and two attacking midfielders ahead of the French World Cup winner.
Kai Havertz and Mason Mount were given the freedom to shine, and they did just that. Pep Guardiola’s title-winning side saw Fernandinho play behind David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne. Partey could have anchored Ozil and another.
Merson might be onto something.
