Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has admitted he was not at his best during the Gunners’ hard-fought 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday.
“I Wasn’t at My Best” – Thomas Partey Reacts to Arsenal’s Hard-Fought Victory
Despite the win, Partey took to Instagram after the match to acknowledge his below-par performance, saying,
“On days when I’m not at my best, the strength of the team carries us to victory. Vamoooosss.”
Mikel Arteta’s side entered the clash without key players, including Kai Havertz, and opted for an unconventional attacking approach with Leandro Trossard leading the line.
However, Arsenal lacked their usual fluency at the King Power Stadium, struggling to break down Leicester’s defensive setup.
In a tactical adjustment, Arteta introduced Mikel Merino off the bench, a move that proved decisive.
The Spanish midfielder stepped up when it mattered most, scoring twice late in the game to secure all three points.
Partey, who started the match and played 76 minutes before being replaced by Jorginho, acknowledged his off-day but remained grateful for the team’s collective effort.
His honesty resonated with fans, many of whom praised his leadership and accountability.
Speaking after the match, Arteta lauded Merino’s impact, admitting that Arsenal benefited from a bit of luck.
“I think the game started to suit him more because they began defending deeper, and we had more momentum, more sequences, more set-pieces,”
Arteta said. “We believed he could influence the game, and we were lucky that he did.”
While Merino stole the headlines, Partey remains an integral part of Arsenal’s push for Premier League glory this season.
The Ghanaian midfielder has been a key figure in Arteta’s setup, starting 21 league matches and contributing three goals and two assists.
Since his £45 million arrival in 2020, he has played a crucial role across all competitions, helping Arsenal compete on multiple fronts.
With Arsenal eyeing silverware, Partey’s ability to bounce back from an off-day will be vital.
His willingness to own up to his mistakes and push forward only strengthens his reputation as a leader in Arteta’s squad.
