I mentioned about why Odegaard didn't do the same when he had a slight hobble and was replied back that he his captain and shouldn't be held back from going there.
I am not saying he should do that for every International game. But it is sometimes wiser to hold back to keep yourself fit/ injury free when with a niggle than jump in and make things worse.
Arsenal are ready to open talks with Partey’s camp.
Arteta and his coaching staff are huge fans of the Ghanaian. A two-year deal – one that would keep Partey in North London until the age of 33 – is understood to be on the table.
Partey’s current priority is also to stay with Arsenal. A factor which should make discussions over a new contract a lot more straightforward.
Neither the player nor Arsenal themselves were keen on a summer switch to Saudi Arabia, either.
Partey has already opened up on his Arsenal future
“My head is always here,” Partey told reporters back in May. “This is where I choose to play. I’m really happy every time I’m on the field.
“I know a lot of speculation has been going on but, for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club. With my contract, I still have to the end of [next] season, I think.
“I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time.”
____________________________________
Yeah, no surprises there.
Arsenal are really fucked in this situation.
If they extend him and he breaks again, it's money and spot in the team down the drain.
If they don't start conversation in due time, in January he'll be free to talk to clubs and sign a pre contract.
I'm in two minds about it but the games he's been having...
It's so tough not to extend him. Like holy shit, we've got cover now so even if he's injured, we'll find a way without him. But when he's available he's so good, he makes the difference.
Like Rich said a while ago, Partey is playing for a contract. He knows how desired he is and the money he'll be offered depends on the first half of the season. But what can you do if he drops top games like the one Vs PSG? If Artedu believe that he'll keep showing up even after signing a new contract, they've got to extend him.
Plus, a 2-year deal will not give him a big reassurance as it's a shortish deal. He'll have to keep playing at a top level.
I wouldn't renew Partey for the same reason I wouldn't renew Tomiyasu. Quality is there but availability isn't enough.
He just doesn't stay fit enough. There is a loss of athleticism but if he could stay fit with half the wages, I wouldn't mind. But the data from the last 4 years says we should move on as much as I appreciate his Busquets like ability to open up space.
The best thing would be winning the league in May and saying goodbye to him as well as Jesus, Tomiyasu and Zinchenko, time to freshen it up a bit really.
He's given us his best years and anything else we can get from him this season is a plus but there's always options in the market
I agree, Partey is worth a lot to us, if he agree to reduced wage I would totally keep him. He difference maker, if he stay fit for 20-25 games per season, I renew his contract.
Yeah, I got the same feeling as you that Arteta wasn't happy with Partey until this summer when he's shown superb work ethic and condition.
We'll see what Artedu decide to do, I'd say wait a couple of more months before making a final decision on what to do. It's an important moment for both club and Partey. I think it's very early to offer him a new deal, wait December and make a decision then.
Before last season, partey was the second best defensive midfielder in the league behind Rodri. Then when the new season began, arteta decided to play play him at the right back. Then he got injured. When he come back from the injury, he was again the best in our midfield in the closing games of last season. Against all predictions, he has been our best midfielder this season again. So I don't quite understand where the fact that he has only improved this season because of contract is coming from. He has been class since he joined this club. He was sorely missed towards the end of 2023 season and most of last season. If anything, this season has seen him slow down a little probably because of the injuries or old age and not the other way round.
Arteta began the season by benching Gabby and playing Partey at right back. Not one of his best decisions .. even a blind man could see that Partey would break down playing out there
Mikel Arteta had positive injury updates to share surrounding Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
“We had to modify training for a lot of players,” he explained. “We’ve done the same today because of the load that they had, so it’s a decision to make this afternoon, whether to involve them, yes or no.
“They are close, and Tomiyasu as well is quite close to being involved, so good news.”
As for Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Martin Odegaard (ankle), Mikel said both are likely to be closer to a return after the international break.
“Alex probably after the international break if everything goes well,” he said. “He’s progressing really well and with Martin it’s very difficult to say.
"The transfer rules of world soccer’s governing body Fifa go against European Union laws, the EU’s top court said in a ruling on a high-profile case linked to former France player Lassana Diarra on Friday, citing the bloc’s free movement principles.
“The rules in question are such as to impede the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club,” said the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)."
I would bring in Tomiyasu at RB considering he has trained and Timber is taken out of international duty. If White is fit, it would be him in the starting line up but I don't think he is. Sterling in for Martinelli. And Nwaneri in for Partey.
Think that looks a decent line up. No need to overplay players against Southampton when the back ups are more than good enough. Think one of Partey or Merino will start though.
To be honest, we've played last season with Rice at DM and it wasn't very pretty.
The intricate passing of Partey will be sorely missed. Against PSG he threaded a few passes that went in the only corridor possible and it completely opened up our attack breaking PSG's high/mid press. Think Bukayo had a few chances that came from Partey single-handedly dealing with PSG's press like it was a children's game.
That'll be a huge miss for us. Timber and Cala will help but the angles for passing are always the best in the center of the pitch, in the area of the DM. Inverting 2 full backs at different times or at the same time with Declan dropping even deeper in one line with Saliba and Gabriel will probably be the idea. It's very different to this Arsenal we've been watching with Partey starting since the begining of the season.
I'm not sure it will be a better Arsenal tbh. What I've been watching, especially in the last 4 games, has been a spectacle for my eyes. The strongest Arsenal I've seen in 15 years (at least).
I want to see if, in a week or two, when Merino is ready to start, if with Rice at DM and inverting full backs, we'll have enough variety to consistently deal with the high press/mid block. I hope it will be enough or we'll have to turn back to Partey.
Thing with Partey is, if you play him in too many games, you risk him picking up an injury. If you bench him for 2 weeks, he's instantly out of rhythm. It's difficult managing a player like him, but as we can see, he's so worth it.
The problems will be felt against the better teams. Versus weaker opposition, we should be alright regardless of who starts, our class will allow it.
Everyone knows Partey is better technically and has the line breaking passes. At times Rice is a bit too conservative for my liking considering he has the technical ability to be a bit more expressive.
But if we have a balanced team, that won't be an issue. And I want our 6 not to expose us. The best thing about Rice being at 6 will be how we will suffocate opponents. Having the trinity of Rice, Saliba, Gabriel will help us in different ways than Partey because we won't let opposition teams get out of their half. That isn't possible with Partey recently.
And this isn't the best Arsenal have played in the last few seasons, be real. We have played much better than this before. Last year after Dubai, and at the start of the season before last (2022/23), the football we were playing was ridiculous.
I think if Odegaard Merino and Rice have a run with fullbacks fit, you will see an Arsenal better than ever before. We have athletic monsters who will not relent. We will play games in opposition half so much that people will think Arteta is Guardiola all over again.
I’m not being argumentative but did you see against PSG when the ball was at Rice’s feet and he couldn’t execute a simple breakaway pass to Saka but fired it right at a defender.
See I love the guy but he’s a West Ham product, he just doesn’t have the nous or the technical ability to take the ball on a half turn and make that slide rule pass. He just doesn’t have that in his Arsenal and DNA. He will develop it in time with Arsenal for sure because he has the work ethic and desire …
Partey isn’t the rampaging defensive and box to box dynamo he used to be but few are capable of receiving, retaining and re-distributing the ball like he does. The man is still serviceable and highly productive. This sudden dissatisfaction and slander towards him is so unbecoming of the Arsenal family …
Rice started his career at CB. So he developed as a player seeing the game infront of him. Everyone can tell he isn't at his best when he is back to goal. This "he doesn't pass forward" talk is just a myth".
What I can agree on is the fact that he doesn't like to take risks. If he doesn't think he will definitely complete a pass, he will recycle it. I want him to be a bit more expressive and ambitious with his passes but I would rather have him as he is now if he is going to lose the ball. I don't want a Bruno Fernandez who will try a Hollywood pass most of the time.
I can point to you the stats that say he plays progressive passes in the 90th percentile of all of Europe for the last 12 months. He just needs to play his position so we can use him as we intended when he joined.
I don’t believe I said he couldn’t pass forward … I just said that at present time he’s not equipped or confident to make the slide rule defense splitting pass on a consistent basis.
Cuz anyone can make a safe forward pass if it presents itself… but I’m talking of receiving the ball under duress and controlling the weight and speed of a pass on one touch and putting your teammate through on goal. There are levels my friend and he ain’t there yet … but he’ll get there eventually
I am glad that we are seeing the best of Partey this season.
He's such an invaluable player when on song.
I really hope that we manage him as well as we can throughout the season, as we will need him right up until the end of the season if we are hoping to win a trophy.
I hope we keep Partey, I would renew his contract but without a raise in salary, I think he worth a lot to us if we can keep him fit and available for 20-25 games a season.
Excellent post Raptora. The line breaking passes and the ability to receive, protect and incisively pass under heavy pressure is one of the most misunderstood and underrated part of Partey’s game.
Most people seem to think that running around like a Jack Rabbit a la Ngolo Kante is the only way to play DM.
They fail to grasp body shape, movement and ball distribution from deep as an another big asset that is critical to that position. Yes, no one discounting breaking up play and winning duels but that position has evolved a lot
“I still think City fleeced the living shit out of Atletico. That transfer sum does not look real.
I believe what they did is giga stupid. Borderline retarded. They were desperate to sell Omoridion as well. At all cost. Why? To buy a player with a lower ceiling (imo) for a king's ransom? Simeone maybe did that cause Julian is Argentinian?!”
For once you’re onto something raps.
For one, that sum (€95m) isn’t real, it’s €75m, unless you know exactly what add ons there are in his contract, which you don’t.
And two, one look at Atlético roster and it’s clear why Omorodion doesn’t fit their style of play however talented he might be.
Clearly he’s too black.
But can I also say the amount of self congrats from you on all your accurate predictions have put Nigel to shame.
Nigel, please come back and bring some modesty to the comments section.
Some people's wishes and prediction may come to pass today. And partey will still get all the blame
Are my eyes deceiving me?
Surely Partey isn’t back to playing right back?
Why are we playing around with Southampton… again?
Is this the last non paid post
Sorry missed JWL update. I’m just repeating!
Looks like fifa have lost the case. Standby for fireworks!
KDB is flemish and doesnt want to sing his national anthem in french. Norwegians dont have such issues, Odegaard will proudly represent his country.
I guess Partey’s 60 minutes agaisnt PSG will be joining Abou Diaby at Anfield and Jack Wilshere v Barcelona in Arsenal lore.
BBC : "Man City's De Bruyne asks to miss Belgium matches"
Time for our boys to start doing the same
Funny that you show this.
I mentioned about why Odegaard didn't do the same when he had a slight hobble and was replied back that he his captain and shouldn't be held back from going there.
I am not saying he should do that for every International game. But it is sometimes wiser to hold back to keep yourself fit/ injury free when with a niggle than jump in and make things worse.
Graeme Bailey, tbrfootball
Arsenal are ready to open talks with Partey’s camp.
Arteta and his coaching staff are huge fans of the Ghanaian. A two-year deal – one that would keep Partey in North London until the age of 33 – is understood to be on the table.
Partey’s current priority is also to stay with Arsenal. A factor which should make discussions over a new contract a lot more straightforward.
Neither the player nor Arsenal themselves were keen on a summer switch to Saudi Arabia, either.
Partey has already opened up on his Arsenal future
“My head is always here,” Partey told reporters back in May. “This is where I choose to play. I’m really happy every time I’m on the field.
“I know a lot of speculation has been going on but, for me, I’m really happy to be here and to continue playing for this club. With my contract, I still have to the end of [next] season, I think.
“I have to do my best and try to perform at the highest level and I think the most important is to be available every time.”
____________________________________
Yeah, no surprises there.
Arsenal are really fucked in this situation.
If they extend him and he breaks again, it's money and spot in the team down the drain.
If they don't start conversation in due time, in January he'll be free to talk to clubs and sign a pre contract.
I'm in two minds about it but the games he's been having...
It's so tough not to extend him. Like holy shit, we've got cover now so even if he's injured, we'll find a way without him. But when he's available he's so good, he makes the difference.
Like Rich said a while ago, Partey is playing for a contract. He knows how desired he is and the money he'll be offered depends on the first half of the season. But what can you do if he drops top games like the one Vs PSG? If Artedu believe that he'll keep showing up even after signing a new contract, they've got to extend him.
Plus, a 2-year deal will not give him a big reassurance as it's a shortish deal. He'll have to keep playing at a top level.
I wouldn't renew Partey for the same reason I wouldn't renew Tomiyasu. Quality is there but availability isn't enough.
He just doesn't stay fit enough. There is a loss of athleticism but if he could stay fit with half the wages, I wouldn't mind. But the data from the last 4 years says we should move on as much as I appreciate his Busquets like ability to open up space.
It's not the same as Tomiyasu like I've made sure to repeat time and again.
Partey is a top player.
Tomiyasu isn't.
That makes a massive difference.
Partey for 20 games, given we have backups/competition for him, which we do, is a big thing for us.
Tomiyasu for 20 games is whatever, I'd rather play Lewis-Skelly really.
raptora
I said this to Rich last season
If Partey is wiling to accept a lower wage, accept a squad rotational role, on one year rolling contracts, it's a no brainer.
The best thing would be winning the league in May and saying goodbye to him as well as Jesus, Tomiyasu and Zinchenko, time to freshen it up a bit really.
He's given us his best years and anything else we can get from him this season is a plus but there's always options in the market
I agree, Partey is worth a lot to us, if he agree to reduced wage I would totally keep him. He difference maker, if he stay fit for 20-25 games per season, I renew his contract.
Yeah, I got the same feeling as you that Arteta wasn't happy with Partey until this summer when he's shown superb work ethic and condition.
We'll see what Artedu decide to do, I'd say wait a couple of more months before making a final decision on what to do. It's an important moment for both club and Partey. I think it's very early to offer him a new deal, wait December and make a decision then.
Before last season, partey was the second best defensive midfielder in the league behind Rodri. Then when the new season began, arteta decided to play play him at the right back. Then he got injured. When he come back from the injury, he was again the best in our midfield in the closing games of last season. Against all predictions, he has been our best midfielder this season again. So I don't quite understand where the fact that he has only improved this season because of contract is coming from. He has been class since he joined this club. He was sorely missed towards the end of 2023 season and most of last season. If anything, this season has seen him slow down a little probably because of the injuries or old age and not the other way round.
You do have a good point there.
Arteta began the season by benching Gabby and playing Partey at right back. Not one of his best decisions .. even a blind man could see that Partey would break down playing out there
Let’s face it he’s only the best for 5-10 games a season
Rice last year was the best over 30-35
That’s the level we need
That’s why merino is here
For all I've seen of Merino (admittedly, not enough), he cannot play the Jorginho or Partey roles
He doesn't have the range of passing needed, nor for Sociedad, Spain or Newcastle.
For me, he's too much like Rice, that's why I don't think Rice and Merino will work as well as Merino-Partey or Merino-Jorginho.
https://x.com/row_lyne/status/1841710196772442147
A comp I really liked. You can see he has the quick release pass, he is very intelligent as Arteta said. He'll be good for us.
I've noticed a pattern developing at Arsenal
We tend to to overreport the severity of injuries players suffer and the time the players will be crocked for.
I think Arteta does it to tell the team to get on with it an to shut down the media/fanbase
First it was Merino returning and now Odegaard set to return super early.
If Arsenal don't play Ode, surely Norway won't be allowed to
From arsenal Arteta press conference -
Mikel Arteta had positive injury updates to share surrounding Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
“We had to modify training for a lot of players,” he explained. “We’ve done the same today because of the load that they had, so it’s a decision to make this afternoon, whether to involve them, yes or no.
“They are close, and Tomiyasu as well is quite close to being involved, so good news.”
As for Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Martin Odegaard (ankle), Mikel said both are likely to be closer to a return after the international break.
“Alex probably after the international break if everything goes well,” he said. “He’s progressing really well and with Martin it’s very difficult to say.
Reuters –
"The transfer rules of world soccer’s governing body Fifa go against European Union laws, the EU’s top court said in a ruling on a high-profile case linked to former France player Lassana Diarra on Friday, citing the bloc’s free movement principles.
“The rules in question are such as to impede the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club,” said the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU)."
My team for tomorrow
I would bring in Tomiyasu at RB considering he has trained and Timber is taken out of international duty. If White is fit, it would be him in the starting line up but I don't think he is. Sterling in for Martinelli. And Nwaneri in for Partey.
Raya, Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Nwaneri, Trossard, Saka, Sterling, Havertz.
We can bring in Merino, Partey, Martinelli as we see fit.
Think that looks a decent line up. No need to overplay players against Southampton when the back ups are more than good enough. Think one of Partey or Merino will start though.
To be honest, we've played last season with Rice at DM and it wasn't very pretty.
The intricate passing of Partey will be sorely missed. Against PSG he threaded a few passes that went in the only corridor possible and it completely opened up our attack breaking PSG's high/mid press. Think Bukayo had a few chances that came from Partey single-handedly dealing with PSG's press like it was a children's game.
That'll be a huge miss for us. Timber and Cala will help but the angles for passing are always the best in the center of the pitch, in the area of the DM. Inverting 2 full backs at different times or at the same time with Declan dropping even deeper in one line with Saliba and Gabriel will probably be the idea. It's very different to this Arsenal we've been watching with Partey starting since the begining of the season.
I'm not sure it will be a better Arsenal tbh. What I've been watching, especially in the last 4 games, has been a spectacle for my eyes. The strongest Arsenal I've seen in 15 years (at least).
I want to see if, in a week or two, when Merino is ready to start, if with Rice at DM and inverting full backs, we'll have enough variety to consistently deal with the high press/mid block. I hope it will be enough or we'll have to turn back to Partey.
Thing with Partey is, if you play him in too many games, you risk him picking up an injury. If you bench him for 2 weeks, he's instantly out of rhythm. It's difficult managing a player like him, but as we can see, he's so worth it.
The problems will be felt against the better teams. Versus weaker opposition, we should be alright regardless of who starts, our class will allow it.
Everyone knows Partey is better technically and has the line breaking passes. At times Rice is a bit too conservative for my liking considering he has the technical ability to be a bit more expressive.
But if we have a balanced team, that won't be an issue. And I want our 6 not to expose us. The best thing about Rice being at 6 will be how we will suffocate opponents. Having the trinity of Rice, Saliba, Gabriel will help us in different ways than Partey because we won't let opposition teams get out of their half. That isn't possible with Partey recently.
And this isn't the best Arsenal have played in the last few seasons, be real. We have played much better than this before. Last year after Dubai, and at the start of the season before last (2022/23), the football we were playing was ridiculous.
I think if Odegaard Merino and Rice have a run with fullbacks fit, you will see an Arsenal better than ever before. We have athletic monsters who will not relent. We will play games in opposition half so much that people will think Arteta is Guardiola all over again.
I’m not being argumentative but did you see against PSG when the ball was at Rice’s feet and he couldn’t execute a simple breakaway pass to Saka but fired it right at a defender.
See I love the guy but he’s a West Ham product, he just doesn’t have the nous or the technical ability to take the ball on a half turn and make that slide rule pass. He just doesn’t have that in his Arsenal and DNA. He will develop it in time with Arsenal for sure because he has the work ethic and desire …
Partey isn’t the rampaging defensive and box to box dynamo he used to be but few are capable of receiving, retaining and re-distributing the ball like he does. The man is still serviceable and highly productive. This sudden dissatisfaction and slander towards him is so unbecoming of the Arsenal family …
Okay, this is what I think.
Rice started his career at CB. So he developed as a player seeing the game infront of him. Everyone can tell he isn't at his best when he is back to goal. This "he doesn't pass forward" talk is just a myth".
What I can agree on is the fact that he doesn't like to take risks. If he doesn't think he will definitely complete a pass, he will recycle it. I want him to be a bit more expressive and ambitious with his passes but I would rather have him as he is now if he is going to lose the ball. I don't want a Bruno Fernandez who will try a Hollywood pass most of the time.
I can point to you the stats that say he plays progressive passes in the 90th percentile of all of Europe for the last 12 months. He just needs to play his position so we can use him as we intended when he joined.
I don’t believe I said he couldn’t pass forward … I just said that at present time he’s not equipped or confident to make the slide rule defense splitting pass on a consistent basis.
Cuz anyone can make a safe forward pass if it presents itself… but I’m talking of receiving the ball under duress and controlling the weight and speed of a pass on one touch and putting your teammate through on goal. There are levels my friend and he ain’t there yet … but he’ll get there eventually
I am glad that we are seeing the best of Partey this season.
He's such an invaluable player when on song.
I really hope that we manage him as well as we can throughout the season, as we will need him right up until the end of the season if we are hoping to win a trophy.
I hope we keep Partey, I would renew his contract but without a raise in salary, I think he worth a lot to us if we can keep him fit and available for 20-25 games a season.
Excellent post Raptora. The line breaking passes and the ability to receive, protect and incisively pass under heavy pressure is one of the most misunderstood and underrated part of Partey’s game.
Most people seem to think that running around like a Jack Rabbit a la Ngolo Kante is the only way to play DM.
They fail to grasp body shape, movement and ball distribution from deep as an another big asset that is critical to that position. Yes, no one discounting breaking up play and winning duels but that position has evolved a lot
“I still think City fleeced the living shit out of Atletico. That transfer sum does not look real.
I believe what they did is giga stupid. Borderline retarded. They were desperate to sell Omoridion as well. At all cost. Why? To buy a player with a lower ceiling (imo) for a king's ransom? Simeone maybe did that cause Julian is Argentinian?!”
For once you’re onto something raps.
For one, that sum (€95m) isn’t real, it’s €75m, unless you know exactly what add ons there are in his contract, which you don’t.
And two, one look at Atlético roster and it’s clear why Omorodion doesn’t fit their style of play however talented he might be.
Clearly he’s too black.
But can I also say the amount of self congrats from you on all your accurate predictions have put Nigel to shame.
Nigel, please come back and bring some modesty to the comments section.
Why you gotta do me dirty like that...
Your last 2 paragraph is funny
BTW Nigel hardly drop those troublesome posts lately,I wonder what's happening
@Tom Wojtyga, I laughed so hard at your last two paragraphs!!