Former England international Daniel Sturridge has highlighted Thomas Partey’s absence as a key factor for Arsenal’s defeat against Paris Saint Germain in the UEFA Champions League.
The Black Stars midfielder missed the crucial semifinal first leg clash, held at the Emirates Stadium due to suspension after picking up a yellow card in the Real Madrid showdown.
In Partey’s absence, the Gunners succumbed to a narrow defeat on home turf, undermining the team’s chances of securing a spot in the final.Without Partey’s composure, physical presence, and ability to drive forward from midfield, Arsenal struggled to assert control in the early exchanges and were punished just four minutes in when Ousmane Dembele swept home Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s low cross.
After the game, the former Chelsea and Liverpool star admitted Thomas Partey’s absence was key to the Gunners defeat.“Personally, the yellow card for Thomas Partey proved costly this leg. No Partey, no party!” he said after the game.
Partey looked on with visible disappointment, clearly pained by his inability to help his teammates. After the final whistle, he made his way down to the pitch side to console the players.The good news for Arsenal is that Partey will return for the second leg in Paris next week, where his influence will be vital as Mikel Arteta’s side chase a place in the final.
Source: GhanaSoccernet
