Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta must bring Thomas Partey back into midfield to give the Gunners the best chance of beating Manchester City. Winning the physical and tactical battles in midfield could be the key to success in Sunday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The two fixtures between Arsenal and City proved pivotal to deciding the title race last season. Pep Guardiola’s side won both games to topple the North Londoners, finally overtaking them in April before marching on to retain their crown.
Arteta will hope to name the strongest possible team for the visit of his former club, having seen his side decimated by injuries in their two meetings with Guardiola’s team last season. The Spaniard will hope his midfield can win the battle in the middle of the pitch.
And that may involve moving Partey back into midfield now that the 29-year-old has recovered from a groin injury. The Ghanaian was shifted to right-back at the start of the season after the arrival of Declan Rice and several defensive injuries, before suffering a problem of his own.
But Partey must be moved into midfield alongside Rice and club captain Martin Odegaard to give Arsenal the best chance of winning. The Gunners have at times seemed fragile in that area this term, and Arteta cannot risk playing two No 8s in Odegaard and either Kai Havertz or Fabio Vieira.
A more compact midfield could help Arsenal beat City, especially with Rodri banned for the visitors after his red card against Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago. Partey would play in the deepest midfield position with Rice and Odegaard positioned slightly ahead.
Rice has enjoyed an excellent start to his Arsenal career, scoring in the 3-1 victory over Manchester United last month. Despite playing in a deeper role at West Ham for much of his time in East London, Arteta believes the 24-year-old can contribute higher up the pitch.
His pressing ability may therefore be useful in a more advanced position against City. Partey situated just behind will allow Odegaard the space and freedom for Odegaard to create chances for Arsenal’s forward line.
Using Havertz or Vieira alongside Odegaard could leave Arsenal weak and exposed against City’s midfield. The added solidity of Partey’s presence will also be vital if Bukayo Saka is absent for the game.
Saka hobbled off during the Champions League defeat by Lens on Tuesday, leaving Arteta concerned over his availability to face the Premier League champions. If the England forward misses the City clash, it gives Arteta an even bigger incentive to use Partey in midfield for a more solid approach.
