Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Thomas Partey following his impressive display in Arsenal’s 5-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Gunners put on a strong show, leading by three goals at the break thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Shortly after halftime, Gonçalo Inacio pulled a goal back for Sporting. But Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard scored to give Arsenal the victory.
According to The Metro, Arteta has tipped Partey to be a “massive player” for his team this season after the 31-year-old put on an outstanding display at the center of Arsenal’s midfield.
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“I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him, especially the way he’s dominated the game so that’s the level he can play, he’s progressing,’ Arteta said of Partey.
“This year he’s been so consistent as well because he always has a role, that’s a big thing, he’s a massive player for us.”
Asked whether Arsenal’s win could be considered a ‘statement’ to other sides in the Champions League, Arteta said: “For sure, the performance was there a few times and when we have played big teams, when we have played PSG, we were exceptional, again, when we played Bayern we were exceptional and some mistakes cost us.
“Now it’s Inter, now it’s this level, that’s the level we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, then that creates belief, then on the next one the players will be better prepared.
“We need that consistency because the ability to do it is there.”
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