Arsenal icon Ian Wright has described Thomas Partey’s mistake in the final moments of Saturday’s match against Aston Villa as “unforgivable.”
Partey, deployed in an unfamiliar right-back position during the game at the Emirates Stadium, failed to track Ollie Watkins, allowing the striker to score a late equalizer and secure a 2-2 draw for Unai Emery’s side.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Wright criticized Partey’s lapse in judgment. “He’s not a natural right-back, and that’s understandable, but as a professional, he should have sensed the danger and stayed with Watkins,” Wright remarked. “Instead, he moved away and left him unmarked. At this level, such errors are unacceptable and cost Arsenal the win.”
Wright also questioned the decision to play Partey out of position. “With the squad Arsenal has, I don’t see why Thomas Partey was used in defense. He’s a midfielder, and that’s where he should be playing,” he added.
The Gunners had taken a 2-1 lead through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, but Villa fought back with a strike from Youri Tielemans and Watkins’ late goal.
The result leaves Arsenal trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points. Liverpool defeated Brentford 2-0 earlier on Saturday and still have a game in hand.
Arsenal will now shift their focus to their Champions League fixture against Dinamo Zagreb before an away clash with Wolves, as they look to regain momentum.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net | Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah
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