Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final defeat to PSG was shaped by the absence of Thomas Partey, whose suspension left Mikel Arteta’s midfield exposed, writes Dylan Johnson.
Writing for Soccermag, Johnson argues that Partey’s third yellow card — picked up needlessly in a settled tie against Real Madrid — cost Arsenal in the first leg against PSG.
Without him, Arsenal struggled to gain control, with Declan Rice isolated and Mikel Merino out of sync. PSG took the lead early through Ousmane Dembélé and controlled the midfield, with Joao Neves and Vitinha dominating.
Arsenal created a few chances, but missed Partey’s calm presence and ability to break lines. Partey’s absence was both preventable and decisive. With a 1-0 deficit, Arsenal now need Partey’s best in Paris.
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