Thomas Partey marks 100th Premier League appearance in thrilling draw against City

Thomas Partey worked his socks off in his 100th game for Arsenal as the Gunners were left heartbroken at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as Manchester City struck late to salvage a 2-2 draw.

City took the lead early in the game when Erling Haaland raced clear of Arsenal’s defence to toe-poke his finish underneath Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya.

Arsenal drew level through new signing Calafiori in the 22nd minute before Gabriel Magalhães rose highest to give the Gunners a 2-1 lead four minutes before the break.

Arsenal’s gritty first-half display was marred when Leandro Trossard was shown a second yellow card for delaying restart following a City free-kick.

The 10 men of Arsenal fought gallantly in the second half, winning second balls and putting in a shift in midfield, specifically Thomas Partey.

However, Arsenal were undone by the defending champions as substitute John Stones directed his effort goalwards after the ball was bubbling in the box.

The game, which marked Partey’s 100th Premier League appearance, saw the Ghanaian work tirelessly, helping the team defensively and contributing offensively.

Milestone reached.

Thomas Partey is set to complete a century of Premier League appearances 👏 pic.twitter.com/t6TWr7OgHd

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 22, 2024

Partey was instrumental in Arsenal’s equaliser as his quick thinking released Martinelli down Arsenal’s left, before the Brazilian, who had caught Walker out of position after the latter was called by the referee, released Calafiori to draw Arsenal level at 1-1.

The 31-year-old midfielder won the joint-most tackles of any Arsenal player (3) and completed 25 out of his attempted 30 passes.

Since joining Arsenal in 2020, Partey has been hampered by injuries, leading to the Ghanaian missing a chunk of games for Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, the midfielder has started all of Arsenal’s five games this term, scoring a crucial goal against Aston Villa in the Gunners’ second league outing.

Additionally, Partey made his 300th league appearance of his career against Manchester City, having registered 200 games in La Liga and La Liga B during his time in Spain with Real Mallorca, Almeria and Atletico Madrid.

Coincidentally, the Black Stars midfielder played his 50th and 100th game for Arsenal across all competitions against Manchester City.

Arsenal sit in fourth place with 11 points and are two points off Manchester City, who are top of the standings.

By Andrews Sefa Bamfo