THOMAS PARTEY was handed his full Arsenal debut by Mikel Arteta after fans urged him to start following a ‘monster’ tackle on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Gooners were chomping at the bit after a clip of Partey pushing Aubameyang off the ball during training at London Colney circulated.
Thomas Partey chases down Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: Arsenal FC
Combative midfielder Partey showed Gunners fans what he can doCredit: Arsenal FC
Partey bumps Aubameyang off the ball with his shoulder and nips in to take the ball off his skipperCredit: Arsenal FC
Partey robbed the ball off a smiling Aubameyang in trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
And Gunners fans got their wish after Partey was named in the starting line-up for the first time in his Arsenal career against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League.
The Ghanaian international, 27, had made his Prem debut as a sub in the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday.
But boss Arteta only gave the former Atletico Madrid man seven minutes off the bench at the Etihad.
The North London side landed the combative midfielder on deadline day after paying £45million to activate his release clause.
And in footage taken during a small-side training game, Partey certainly makes an impression.
Calum Chambers threads a ball into skipper Aubameyang who runs onto the pass.
But the Gabon striker does not see his new team-mate closing down on him.
And Partey bundles his captain off the ball before turning around and sending play back down the opposite end of the pitch.
Aubameyang can be seen sporting a wry smile after the coming together.
One fan said: “Can’t believe how Partey tracked down Auba – he is a monster in midfield.”
Another added: “This is what Thomas Partey is all about – see how clean that is? Precise violence.”
Arsenal get their Europa League campaign underway tonight out in Austria and fans had called on Arteta to include Partey in the starting XI.
A supporter commented: “We’re having a Partey – please start him.”
Arteta says Thomas Partey needs time to adapt to our system
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
