‘Not Bukayo Saka’: Kevin Campbell says Arsenal are not the same team without one player after his last display
Kevin Campbell has told The Highbury Squad that Arsenal are not the same team without Thomas Partey in the side following his performance against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Gunners put their blip behind them in emphatic fashion at the Emirates. Reiss Nelson stole the show with a brace in the 5-0 victory. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard bookended the scoring.
But there was another amazing strike from Partey. The Ghanaian scored an almost exact copy of his North London derby strike during the second-half against Steve Cooper’s men.
Arsenal not the same team without Thomas Partey
It has been apparent for some time just how important Partey is to the balance of Arsenal’s side. He provides that cover for the backline. But he also gives Granit Xhaka and Odegaard the freedom to make an impact further up the pitch.
Arsenal have frightening depth in a number of areas. But Campbell is in no doubt that Partey is simply one player Mikel Arteta is not capable of replacing within the current ranks.
“I’ve just got to say this, Thomas Partey by the way,” he told The Highbury Squad. “Let me tell you something, without this guy, we are not the same team. Without this guy, we are not the same team. You talk about control of a game and incision pass, he was a surgeon yesterday. And to come up with that goal as well.”
Keeping Partey fit and available does look set to be pivotal to Arsenal’s fortunes this season. Obviously, they remain the pace-setters in the Premier League. And it is becoming impossible to argue with those who believe that they will now challenge for the title.
But even the most optimistic Arsenal fan will surely still admit that they are going to need some luck along the way. Manchester City know what it takes to get across the line. And their squad has taken a step forward this season.
Results like the one against Leeds last month will be looked back upon as pivotal moments should they achieve something special. But avoiding key injuries at crucial points will also be imperative.
Partey has previously had his issues. So it will make a massive difference for Arsenal if they have him available for the rest of the campaign.
