Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that positioning Thomas Partey as a right-back in the Gunners’ first game of the season against Nottingham Forest on Saturday yielded positive results, as they secured a tense victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Partey was tasked with occupying the right defensive position, while summer signing Declan Rice took on the role of the holding midfielder. Arteta’s team emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, thanks to goals from attackers Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka.
Arteta’s decision to utilize Partey as a right-back was not entirely new; it had occurred a couple of times during the previous season’s closing stages and attracted criticism. Consequently, fans were apprehensive about Arteta’s choice to start Partey in that position against Nottingham Forest.
Partey delivered a commendable performance, and during the post-match interview, Arteta expressed his contentment, as his decision did not result in the backlash that many had anticipated when the starting lineup was revealed.
“We expected a game that actually happened and we needed somebody else there in midfield to do what we have to do the best, and have more fluidity and occupy certain spaces in relation to how they were defending,” Arteta explained. “I think it worked really well.”
During the pre-season marked by transfer speculations, Partey demonstrated his value to the team, highlighted by a remarkable display against Manchester City in the Community Shield victory. He successfully persuaded the club of his significance, leading to a decline in reports about his potential transfer, despite interest from Saudi Arabia and Juventus.
