Arsenal FC v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Arsenal FC v AS Monaco - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 - Source: Getty
Fans have reacted to Arsenal starting Thomas Partey at right-back in their EFL Cup quarter-final at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday (December 19). The Gunners are riding an eight-game unbeaten run across competitions, winning five.
Mikel Arteta's side are coming off a goalless Premier League home draw with Everton at the weekend. They are third in the standings after 16 games, trailing leaders Liverpool (36) by six points, having played a game more.
Meanwhile, their last outing in the EFL Cup was a 3-0 win at Preston North End in the fourth round in October. With a place in the last-four at stake, the Gunners have named Kiernan Tierney at left-back, Raheem Sterling on the wing, and Jorginho captianing the team.
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However, fans aren't enthused with boss Mikel Arteta starting Partey at right-back, with one tweeting:
"What's this man's issue with playing Partey at RB, this man has lost it"
Another chimed in:
"Partey at right-back not convincing"
There were similar reactions from other fans, with one commenting:
"Partey still at RB and not in the middle. We in for a long night."
Another posted:
"Mikel wants Partey to get injured, why playing in the back?"
One fan tweeted:
"Arsenal STOP PLAYING PARTEY AT RIGHT-BACK"
The Gunners will have happy memories of their last meeting with Palace, winning 5-0 at home in the Premier League in January this year.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: A few tidbits
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have a commanding 29-5 head-to-head record over Crystal Palace in 48 meetings across competitions. Their last meeting - as mentioned above - saw the Gunners emerge victorious by five unanswered goals at home in the league.
The game saw braces from Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli (in stoppage time) either side of a strike from Leandro Trossard 14 minutes into the second period.
Palace are on a run of four straight Premier League defeats to the Gunners, with the two sides set to renew acquaintances in the league this weekend (Saturday, December 21) after their cup clash.