Arsenal Fans Blame Thomas Partey’s Absence After Draw With Man City

• Thomas Partey’s exit from Arsenal has left a noticeable void in the midfield, according to sections of the club’s supporters
• Their frustrations spilt over following Sunday’s draw with Manchester City, a result many felt highlighted the Ghanaian’s absence
• Partey has already moved on, closing the chapter on his five-year stint with the Gunners after departing the club this summer

A section of Arsenal fans have expressed frustration over the absence of Thomas Partey following their side’s 1-1 stalemate with Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, September 21.

Many believe the Ghanaian midfielder’s departure has left a glaring void in the team, particularly in matches where creativity from deep positions is most needed.

Arsenal held to frustrating draw by Man City

The Gunners went into the clash as favourites, having dominated this fixture in recent seasons.

Expectations were high, but the afternoon turned into a struggle. City struck first when Erling Haaland pounced on a counterattack, putting Arsenal on the back foot, according to Al Jazeera.

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Pep Guardiola’s men then shut the game down with an unusually defensive setup that frustrated Mikel Arteta’s charges.

Arsenal pushed forward but found little joy against City’s compact block. Just when it seemed the match was slipping away, Eberechi Eze lofted a clever pass over the defence, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to lob Gianluigi Donnarumma deep into stoppage time.

The dramatic equaliser salvaged a point, yet the relief was overshadowed by discontent among the fanbase.

Arsenal fans lament Partey’s exit after Man City draw

For many fans, the draw felt more like a defeat. On social media, frustrations boiled over as they argued that Arsenal lacked the vision and precision that Partey often brought to midfield.

Several criticised Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, insisting they failed to provide the line-breaking passes that defined Partey’s game.

One fan, @Thelambart, insisted:

“We miss Thomas Partey. Don’t care what anyone says.”

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Another, @thekhxos, did not hold back:

“Zubimendi is nowhere CLOSE to Thomas Partey! Our midfield is overpriced and crappy.”

Others echoed the same feeling, with @Arsenalpeace2 declaring:

“Letting Thomas Partey leave and bringing Zubimendi was not a good deal. Merino is another average player.”

The conversation was relentless, with @wifeofarsenal lamenting:

“Why did we let Thomas Partey go? Omg.”

While @adihmonday added:

“Nobody in that Arsenal midfield is making that pass except Eze. I haven’t seen such since Thomas Partey left.”

While Arsenal fans dwell on what might have been, Partey has moved forward in his career.

Now with Villarreal, the 32-year-old has played in all five of their La Liga fixtures this season, per Flashscore.

He also returned to England with the Spanish club for a Champions League game, where he was met with a hostile reception from sections of the home crowd.

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Off the pitch, the Ghanaian midfielder faces a serious legal battle.

Less than 24 hours before that European tie, he appeared in court for the second time and pleaded not guilty to six charges of sexual offences.

His trial has been scheduled for November 2, 2026.

How Partey dazzled fans with his brilliance

In a separate report, YEN.com.gh highlighted how Thomas Partey dazzled fans with a moment of brilliance that left one of Tottenham’s key midfielders completely outwitted.

Partey effortlessly brought down a loose ball, shaped as if to release a teammate, and when the Spurs player slid in to intercept, he sold the feint brilliantly, shifting the ball sideways to leave his opponent chasing shadows.

Source: YEN.com.gh