“I don’t want to come across as unprofessional, but honestly, I’m fed up with him. He can’t dribble, can’t hold on to the ball, and almost cost us the match today,” Thomas Partey reportedly pointed out one Arsenal player for a poor performance — and it wasn’t Martinelli or Bukayo Saka

In the wake of Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw against Brighton, midfielder Thomas Partey has come under intense scrutiny for his performance. Manager Mikel Arteta was visibly frustrated during the match, particularly after Partey delivered a pass that fell short of Gabriel Martinelli, disrupting a promising attack. Journalist Ryan Taylor, present at the Amex Stadium, noted Arteta’s anger towards both Partey and Gabriel Jesus for their lapses in play .

This incident is not isolated. Earlier in the season, Partey faced criticism for his role in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with West Ham, where he lost possession leading to a penalty for the opposition. Jamie Carragher labeled his performance as complacent and uncharacteristically poor .

Further concerns were raised during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, where Ian Wright highlighted Partey’s lack of urgency in tracking back, allowing Brighton’s Joao Pedro to score the equalizer . Similarly, in a match against Manchester City, former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon commented that Partey “lost the plot,” struggling to manage City’s relentless midfield pressure .

Partey’s physical condition has also been a topic of discussion. Journalist Charles Watts expressed concerns about Partey’s diminished athleticism post-injury, noting a decline in his ability to cover ground and maintain defensive solidity . Fans have echoed these sentiments, with some suggesting that Partey’s performances have become a liability for the team .

Despite these criticisms, there have been moments where Partey’s contributions were acknowledged. In a match against Aston Villa, some fans praised his goal and on-ball abilities, though others remained skeptical about his overall performance .

As Arsenal continues its pursuit of the Premier League title, the spotlight remains on Thomas Partey. With his contract nearing its end and performances under scrutiny, the coming weeks could be pivotal in determining his future at the Emirates Stadium. rse