Ex-player Matthew Upson has named Thomas Partey his Man of the Match and believes Arsenal must do everything possible to protect him if they are to challenge for the Premier League title.
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Arsenal defeated rival Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 yesterday to maintain their league lead. Matthew Upson was impressed by Thomas Partey’s simplicity in midfield, not his screamer.
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This season, the Ghana international has already missed four games due to ongoing fitness issues, including his team’s lone defeat of the season at Old Trafford against Manchester United.
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He was even a doubt for yesterday’s game, but he played and scored his team’s first goal. Arsenal were dominant, and the scoreline is unarguable. Upson speaking after the game stated:
“He was man of the match for me. I thought he was excellent, obviously in terms of the goal contribution which is a big deal for a defensive midfield player.”
“But just the simplicity. He’s that rock in midfield, that anchor allowing Xhaka to go and pick up those positions, allowing Odegaard to drift into those roles, knowing they’ve got the responsibility of someone like him sat behind them.”
“Today he was excellent involved in a lot of passing in the build-up, to me that’s a man of the match performance from a midfield player. Definitely, it’s a big thing they have to achieve.”
“Whether that’s the manage his minutes, adjust his training schedule, whatever they need to do I feel they have to keep him fit ready for occasions like today.”