Thomas Partey shines in Arsenal 1-1 draw against FC Nürnberg in preseason friendly

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey showcased a masterclass performance in Arsenal pre-season friendly draw with FC Nürnberg on Thursday evening.

A bizarre own goal by Jorginho denied Arsenal victory against German second-tier side Nürnberg, who came from behind to rescue a 1-1 draw at the Max-Morlock Stadion.

Mikel Arteta’s men – who ran out 5-3 winners in this friendly last year – drew first blood through a crisp Bukayo Saka strike, but the Bundesliga II outfit levelled in strange circumstances midway through the second half.

Partey, who has heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium outfit, displayed a five-star performance in the first half of the game before he was replaced by Jorginho.

Arsenal failed to add to their one-goal lead before the break, and Arteta unsurprisingly made a plethora of alterations for the second 45, including an unofficial debut for summer signing Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey, who was a top performer in the first department of the game.

Two other substitutes would be culpable for Nürnberg’s equaliser, though, as goalkeeper Karl Hein ventured out of his area before passing short to an under-pressure Jorginho, who inexplicably rolled the ball back into his own empty net in the 62nd minute.

Hein nearly gifted Nürnberg the winner in the 74th minute, parrying a speculative strike from Ali Loune into the path of Christoph Daferner, who could only strike the woodwork.

Folarin Balogun then missed an open goal after skipping past Carl Klaus to cap off an unconventional game, and Arsenal will now gear up for their trip to the United States to meet the MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona.