LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: Thomas Partey of Arsenal, coach Mikel Arteta of Arsenal celebrating the victory during the UEFA Champions League match between Sporting CP v Arsenal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta was delighted with Thomas Partey
Mikel Arteta hailed Thomas Partey for producing "one of his best performances" in an Arsenal shirt during the Gunners' rampant 5-1 win away to Sporting Lisbon.
Partey, who joined Arsenal for £45million in 2020 from Atletico Madrid, played the entire match as Arteta's men handed Sporting their first defeat in 20 games this season. Although it was mostly the Gunners' attackers and defenders who were involved in the goals, Partey's presence in midfield gave his team-mates the platform to run riot.
His performance in the Champions League clash came off the back of a goalscoring appearance against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, having come on at half-time during Arsenal's 3-0 victory. After following that up with a dominant display in Lisbon, Arteta labelled the 31-year-old a 'massive player' post-match.
"I think it's one of the best performances I have seen from him," the Gunners boss declared. "Especially the way he's dominated the game, so that's the level he can play, he's progressing. This year he's been so consistent as well because he always has a role, that's a big thing, he's a massive player for us."
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Partey's influence was felt from the off, with Arsenal racing into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes through Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz. Gabriel Magalhaes then made it three with a header on the brink of half-time. Sporting responded after the break through Goncalo Inacio but the game was taken out of their reach by goals from Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard.
Having struggled away from home in the Champions League under Arteta, most recently losing to Inter Milan at the start of the month, Arsenal were keen for his side to make a 'statement' against the Portuguese champions. "For sure, the performance was there a few times and when we have played big teams," the Spaniard added.
"When we have played PSG, we were exceptional, again, when we played Bayern [Munich last season] we were exceptional and some mistakes cost us."
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Thomas Partey was outstanding against Sporting Lisbon ( Image: Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
"Now it's Inter, now it's this level. that's the level we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, then that creates belief, then on the next one the players will be better prepared. We need that consistency because the ability to do it is there."
The Gunners return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to West Ham. As Liverpool don't play until Sunday, Arsenal have the chance to move within six points of the league leaders and keep their title hopes alive.
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