Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey started for the first time in an Arsenal game since August 2023 and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ecstatic about it.
Partey started in Arsenal’s 2-0 English Premier League win over Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium with the win moving Arsenal to the top of the league standings ahead of fellow league title contender, Liverpool’s game against Sheffield United on Thursday, April 4 at Anfield.
The last time Partey started for Arsenal was in a league game against Fulham but injuries prevented him from building on his appearances tally for the club. Playing against Luton Town was just Partey’s seventh appearance for The Gunners this season.
Speaking on the impact made by players introduced to the much-changed Arsenal set for the Luton game, Arteta stated,
“We made five changes for players that fully deserved to play, because they give me the right reasons every day to do so. Emile (Smith-Rowe) had an impact for sure and Reiss (Nelson) as well… Thomas had his first start since August, that is unbelievable.”
“It’s really important for us because now they’re physically better, mentally better, they are confident and they are ready to go” Arteta said to Arsenal media.
The Gunners take on Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, April 6 at 16:30 GMT.