British writer and broadcaster Henry Winter cited Thomas Partey’s absence as a major contributing factor to Arsenal’s close loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
After receiving two yellow cards during Arsenal’s quarterfinal match against Real Madrid, the Ghanaian midfielder was suspended and missed Tuesday night’s match at the Emirates Stadium.
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The Gunners found it difficult to maintain control without Partey in the middle, and French winger Ousmane Dembélé’s goal in the fourth minute was the game-winning goal that gave PSG a 1-0 lead going into the second leg.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Winter did not hold back in his assessment.
“Thomas partey foolishly cost Arsenal against PSG. The team missed him (Thomas Partey),” he said.
“His yellow card was just unnecessary, and his absence cost the team against PSG. Looking ahead, Winter noted that Partey’s return could be crucial for the Gunners. “It’s good he will be back on the return,” he added.
Arsenal will aim to overturn the deficit when they travel to face PSG at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7.
