Thomas Partey lucky to be first to strike from midfield after Arsenal win at Villa

Sports/ Stars Football (Kumasi, Ghana) Aug 25 (Futball Surgery Sports)- Thomas Partey’s partnership with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield seems to be working to appreciable level for Arsenal this season.

The trio were key in Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Wolves and the three men maintained their places in their second game, a trip to Aston Villa, as they chase for the EPL title.

Partey is the luckiest to become the first of the three to get his name on the score sheet for Arsenal this season. And that was not just a goal but a strike that sealed Arsenal’s hard fought 2-0 victory over one of the toughest Premier League opponents on Saturday after hovering around for a long time.

Arsenal had to wait until the 67 for Leandro Trossard to break the deadlock and 10 minutes later for Partey to score his first goal of the season.

Partey’s goal came after Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez made a costly error, letting the Ghanaian’s shot slip through his fingers and giving the Gunners a crucial two-goal lead.

Arsenal had to defend resolutely, especially after Olie Watkins missed a key chance earlier.

The turning point came after the break when Raya made an incredible one-handed save from Watkins, following a shot from Amadou Onana hitting the bar.

Arsenal seized the moment when Leandro Trossard, making an immediate impact as a substitute, scored with his first touch to put Arsenal ahead.

The midfielder sealed the win with a goal ten minutes later, making it a sweet victory after Villa’s double over Arsenal last season.

It was Partey’s first Premier League goal since March 2023, and he’ll be eager to add more in upcoming matches.

Arsenal have been labeled one of the favourites for this season’s Premier League trophy but they have Man City- their nightmare to the title in the last two seasons- to beat if they can become champions.