Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, emphasized that deploying Thomas Partey in a defensive role proved to be a successful strategy for his team as they triumphed over Nottingham Forest in their inaugural match of the season.
Partey, showcasing his versatility, impressed while operating as a right-back for Arsenal on Saturday, despite predominantly featuring as a midfielder throughout his career.
Arteta highlighted that the Ghanaian international’s presence brought a dynamic element to the team, which was essential in adapting to the demands of the match against Nottingham. He explained that the tactical shift aimed to enhance the team’s fluidity and effectively exploit specific areas on the pitch based on the opponent’s defensive setup.
“We expected a game that actually happened and we needed somebody else there in midfield to do what we have to do the best, and have more fluidity and occupy certain spaces in relation to how they were defending. I think it worked really well,” Arteta remarked in his post-match comments.
During the first half of the match, goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka secured a victory for the Gunners in their season opener.
Amid speculations about Partey’s potential departure following Declan Rice’s arrival, Arteta’s utilization of the former Atletico Madrid standout in a distinct role suggests a strategic plan to harness his capabilities within the team.
