Some fans have voiced their discontent with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for keeping midfielder Thomas Partey on the bench during their crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, which ended in defeat.
Despite Partey’s return to full fitness and commendable performances in recent months, the Ghana international remained unused throughout the match, much to the frustration of supporters.
With the tie evenly poised following a 2-2 draw in the first leg, many believed Arsenal had a genuine chance to progress, especially considering Bayern Munich’s underwhelming form in the Bundesliga this season where they have already lost the title to Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners were tipped go through and reach the last four for the first time in 18 years.
However, Joshua Kimmich’s 63rd-minute header sealed victory for the Bavarians, ultimately ending Arsenal’s Champions League campaign.
- Bayern hopes of silverware alive as Arsenal bow out of Champions League
- We really showed the true Bayern Munich – Kane reacts to UCL win over Arsenal
- Arteta includes Thomas Partey as impactful substitutes in Bayern clash
Fans have criticised Arteta’s decision-making, particularly his choice to sideline Partey, with some suggesting that the midfielder could have made a significant impact on the game.
I just realized not only Arsenal bottled it last night bcuz they chose to play Rice at 6 over Partey
apparently Manchester City too bottled it against Real Madrid 😂😂welcome to the farmers league 🤝🏿 pic.twitter.com/TfjXTMGQ0o
— Bucks AFC ⚪️🔴 (@bondzii) April 18, 2024
Mikel Arteta needs to find a way to include Thomas Partey. Declan Rice and Jorginho aren't progressive enough.
Jorginho tries to be but he hides in big games.
Partey might lose the ball trying to play risky passes but it's normally worth it. pic.twitter.com/ZkOwBLSgEt
— Triple M (@Tripple____M) April 18, 2024
I'll ask again, is there something going on between Thomas Partey and Mikel Arteta that we don't know about?
No way Thomas Partey didn't come on.
Against Villa and Bayern when we needed penetration in midfield.
No fogging way. pic.twitter.com/I2m6DQZJFV
— Triple M (@Tripple____M) April 18, 2024
Fabio Vieira, Partey, Nelson and Nketiah. There is no point in these guys being here since Arteta hasn’t used them yet during crunch time, which is the most crucial period of the season. Let’s see what happens during the next few games but this situation is so frustrating.
— RohanJivan (@RjArsenalBlog) April 18, 2024
Pay Eddie 100k and gave him the 14 – Bench
Renewed Nelson – Bench
Raved about ESR – Bench
Partey is important for us – Bench
45 million AM – Bench pic.twitter.com/tKqGn7Qx2J— 603° (@demetrius3244) April 18, 2024
No one gives Ødegaard this kind of passes unless Thomas Partey is on the pitch pic.twitter.com/eJHQozBQOM
— 🐙 (@parteysznx) April 14, 2024
Yes Declan Rice is good but Thomas Partey was the best.
He'll probably be sold but his balance between defending and contributing to our attack is second to none.
Rice is a beast defensively and that means we need to get a great passer/progressor alongside him. pic.twitter.com/B016rcJsFW
— Triple M (@Tripple____M) April 18, 2024
Arteta has had a fully fit squad for the last 6 weeks bar Timber & continued to flog the same players so can’t be surprised when they start tiring & showing fatigued performances. ESR/Vieira/Nelson/Partey/Nketiah etc – what’s the point in being here if you don’t trust them?
— Super Eagle (@SVCarbaholic) April 18, 2024
The whole Thomas Partey situation infuriates, in every possible way. He’s either been injured for most of the season or hasn’t been used when available. Hasn’t been used to combat specific game states or to manage Declan Rice’s workload. Just get rid. What’s the point.
— RohanJivan (@RjArsenalBlog) April 18, 2024
The defeat has prompted discussions about Arteta’s tactics and team selection, with supporters questioning his approach in key matches.
Meanwhile, Arsenal lost their first spot position in the English Premier League to defending champions Manchester City and with six matches to end the season, they face the dread of missing out on the trophy for the second year running.