Arsenal fans fume at ‘gimmick’ decision in line-up to face Brighton (Source: Both images from Getty, X/@Mhdspeaking, @ssentongopeter5
Arsenal fans on X questioned manager Mikel Arteta's decision to play Thomas Partey in right-back against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. The Gunners have traveled to the Amex Stadium, where they will face the Seagulls in their first Premier League clash of 2025.
With Arsenal currently sitting in second place on the league table, the fans are expecting them to take home all three points and consolidate the position. However, they are fuming at Partey playing in right-back. The Ghana international, who is a natural midfielder, is versatile enough to play in the position.
Arteta has few options in the role, with players like Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu out of contention due to injuries. Jurrien Timber, who is more adept in a full-back role than Partey, is also unavailable due to suspension. There is an option on the bench in versatile 18-year-old left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Arteta has picked experience over youth.
