Ricky1985 Yet we obviously lacked urgency.
This is what I feel Partey really contributes. He has an uncanny ability to put us on the front foot. And his losing the ball as often as he does, is a direct function of the very same progressive and aggressive passing mindset which he has. We have one of this type of player in defence midfield and attack - the type that injects urgency and directness. Zinchenko, Partey, Jesus. And with each there is a fatal flaw, right? Zinchenko can't defend, can't stay fit. Partey is not tight enough friends with the football, and can't stay fit. Jesus can't score (yeah I know he did today, but you get what I'm saying), and in recent seasons, can't stay fit. I would like us to move to better versions of all these players ideally of course, but these are the best versions there are in the business. Until we find their replacements, let's not undervalue any of them.
Great performance. Near flawless from Rice.
We've seen Partey do the same, and more over the years.
What i would like to see is how they would work together. Now that Rice is coming into his own, he will be able to play his natural game, without feeling the need to defer to anyone else. How that dovetails with Partey's greatest positive attributes could potentially be something really special.
*Tinker away Arteta.
