Thomas Partey sparkled in Arsenal’s convincing home win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals first leg.
It was arguably the most unforgettable European evening in Arsenal’s storied history.
A 3-0 thrashing of Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night left the reigning champions embarrassed.
In reality, Los Blancos were fortunate the scoreline wasn’t even more one-sided, with the Gunners denied twice by crucial goal-line clearances.
Declan Rice’s stunning two-goal free kick performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals might dominant the headlines, but Thomas Partey’s impressive display deserves equal recognition.
While Rice made history as the first player to score two free kicks in a Champions League knockout phase match, Partey’s masterful midfield control and tactical awareness were instrumental in Arsenal’s 3-0 thrashing of Real Madrid.
The Ghanaian international, who knows the ins and outs of the 15-time European champions from his playing days at Atletico Madrid, took charge of the midfield and dominated proceedings against Madrid’s experienced and world-class midfielders.
Against a Real Madrid midfield featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga – a trio brimming with world-class talent – Partey asserted his dominance, dictating the game.
From the first whistle, Partey set the tone in his holding role, orchestrating Arsenal’s tempo and giving Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard the freedom to roam and flourish.
The numbers back up what the eye test already confirmed.
The former Atletico midfielder completed 61 out of 66 passes, including seven passes into the final third, and won four out of seven ground duels. His 6 ball recoveries and 1 interception also showcased his defensive prowess.
Partey’s performance was not just about his individual statistics, but also about his tactical awareness and understanding of the game.
He knew exactly when to push forward and when to drop deep, creating space for his teammates to make runs and exploit the gaps in Madrid’s defense. His 2 long passes completed and two shots on target also showed his ability to pick out his teammates with precision and his attacking ability.
According to OPTA, Partey ranked third in their points table, trailing only Declan Rice and Mikel Merino – and largely because those two scored. Without the goals factored in, Partey would have comfortably led the rankings.
Partey’s performance did not go unnoticed by fans, who took to their social media accounts to praise the Ghanaian international. Many were impressed by his vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of the game.
One leg in the Semis with this impressive win, Arsenal have taken a significant step towards securing a spot in the semifinals.
The Gunners would be hoping to get a decent result away from home to seal their first ever semi-finals appearance since 2009.
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