Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Already Has Decided On The Player Who Will Replace Thomas Partey Against Tottenham

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta Already Has Decided On The Player Who Will Replace Thomas Partey Against Tottenham

After a great start to the season that put them in first place at the first international break, Tottenham Hotspur will come to the Emirates this Saturday for Arsenal’s toughest test so far. The Gunners haven’t beaten one of the “big six” teams yet this season. They lost a close game to Manchester United earlier this month. A win over Antonio Conte’s team could silence a lot of doubters.

For such a test, Mikel Arteta will want all his best players available to him, but it seems as though fate has conspired against him so far. Kieran Tierney should be ready to play after missing Scotland’s 0-0 draw with Ukraine, but Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Martin Odegaard, and Thomas Partey are still not sure if they will be ready.

Arsenal is thinking of a replacement for Thomas Partey

Arsenal will check on all four of them at London Colney over the next few days and hopes that they will be ready for Saturday’s important game. But if Partey isn’t available, it brings up a question the Gunners have asked before. 

They had trouble at the end of last season without him, and even though Mohamed Elneny’s contract was extended and Albert Sambi Lokonga is seen as someone who can play in the number six spot, there are still questions about whether the club can find someone who can do what Partey does. During the break, though, a possible solution may have come to light.

Granit Xhaka has been great for most of this season in a slightly more forward left-eight position. He has created the same number of chances as Kevin De Bruyne in the Premier League. The Swiss midfielder’s relationship with Arsenal fans has changed completely since he moved to this new position. They even sang his name after the final whistle of the 3-0 win over Brentford before the international break. 

After that game, Arteta said that he was happy with how things had turned out. The Spaniard said, “I think he now feels love and respect from both sides. You can see how our fans were singing about him, and that makes him want to give even more. I’m really happy for him because I think he really deserves it.”

But, interestingly, Xhaka was asked to play a totally different role when he was with Switzerland during the international break. The 30-year-old got a lot of praise at the Euros last summer for his work in a box-to-box position. However, Xhaka played a much deeper role in their most recent Nations League games against Spain and the Czech Republic.

What’s next?

The former Borussia Monchengladbach player did a great job, especially against Spain, as Switzerland pulled off a surprise win. The worry about putting him in a deeper role has been that he can’t handle pressure well with his back to the ball. However, Xhaka did well against Luis Enrique’s high-pressing team.

The 30-year-old has said in the past that he wants a more advanced role that makes the most of his skills with the ball, but Arteta has said that he sees him as a possibility in the six. When asked about his midfield options after the failed pursuit of Douglas Luiz, the Spaniard said, “We have players like Sambi and Granit who can play there.”

Partey’s return for Saturday’s important match will be a top priority for Arsenal. They want to get back at its north London rivals after losing out on the Champions League players to them last season. But if the Ghanaian isn’t available, it’s interesting to note that Xhaka has shown he can do well if asked to play the deeper role.

Meet Rohit Sarkar, a passionate football and cricket enthusiast, who transformed his ardour for the sports into a successful seven-year career as a sports journalist. With a keen eye for detail and a deeply ingrained understanding of the beautiful games, Rohit’s expertise has been captivating audiences across a myriad of leading sports websites. Rohit embarked on his journey as a sports writer in 2016, initially writing for local sports publications. His profound knowledge, combined with an ability to weave compelling narratives around players, teams, and matches, swiftly captured the attention of a broader audience. His journey has since seen him contribute to some of the most well-respected sports news platforms globally. What truly sets Rohit apart is his exceptional ability to dissect both football and cricket games. His comprehensive analyses cover the full spectrum - from the technical tactics on the field, player performance, to the captivating stories behind the scenes. His pen brings to life the exhilarating emotion and the nail-biting tension inherent in both sports. The core of Rohit's work lies in his devotion to the sports he grew up adoring. He seamlessly translates his understanding of the game dynamics, honed over years of avidly watching and playing, into his writing. His pieces are deeply rooted in authenticity and respect for the games, qualities that endear him to his readers. Despite the significant difference between football and cricket, Rohit has managed to bridge the gap and cater to the fans of both sports. His work exhibits a deep understanding of the intricacies of the sports, balanced with a storytelling flair that keeps readers engaged and enlightened. Today, Rohit Sarkar is a trusted name in the world of sports journalism. His thought-provoking articles and in-depth analyses continue to be featured across multiple high-profile sports platforms. Through his powerful words, Rohit continues to bring sports lovers closer to the heart of the games they cherish. Rohit is more than a sports writer; he is a storyteller, and most importantly, a passionate fan. He does not just report the sports; he lives and breathes them, bringing his readers along on the journey, one article at a time.

Related Posts

Is Arsenal, Liverpool And Manchester United Paying €120m To Sign Joao Neves?

Is Arsenal, Liverpool And Manchester United Paying €120m To Sign Joao Neves?

Joao Neves, a 19-year-old midfield prodigy from Benfica, finds himself in the limelight as Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool vie for his signature. Despite his youth, Neves has carved out…

Read more
Arsenal Want The Nottingham Forest Star

Arsenal Want The Nottingham Forest Star

Arsenal News: Arsenal’s gaze is fixed firmly on Morgan Gibbs-White. Nottingham Forest’s potential decision to part ways with their record acquisition has put the Gunners on high alert. As reported…

Read more
Arsenal And Aston Villa Fight For The €40 Million-rated Spanish International,

Arsenal And Aston Villa Fight For The €40 Million-rated Spanish International,

In the race to secure Real Sociedad’s defender Robin Le Normand, four heavyweight clubs have stepped into the ring, with Aston Villa and Arsenal leading the charge, as reported by…

Read more
Is Arsenal Signing Manu Kone In 2024?

Is Arsenal Signing Manu Kone In 2024?

Fabrizio Romano, the renowned transfer specialist, has dropped some hot news for Arsenal fans. According to his insights, the Gunners won’t be chasing after Manu Kone, the midfielder from Borussia…

Read more
Huge Update On The Future Of Arsenal Star Ethan Nwaneri

Huge Update On The Future Of Arsenal Star Ethan Nwaneri

In the world of football, exciting news is brewing at Arsenal as they set their sights on Ethan Nwaneri, a promising young talent. According to ESPN, the Gunners are on…

Read more
Arsenal And Chelsea Both Want To Pay A Whopping €90m To Sign The World Class Striker

Arsenal And Chelsea Both Want To Pay A Whopping €90m To Sign The World Class Striker

In football transfers, the spotlight now shines brightly on the sought-after Victor Osimhen, whose prowess on the field has sparked a fervent bidding war between English titans Chelsea and Arsenal….

Read more