Thomas Partey's stunning opener in the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday reminded everyone of his talent.
The midfielder set the tone for a memorable win when he curled home from outside the box to give Arsenal a deserved lead, and despite conceding through a penalty, they managed to put their fierce rivals to the sword with second-half goals from Gabriel Jesus and Granit Xhaka.
Mikel Arteta's side were superior throughout and Spurs' cause was not helped by Emerson Royal's red card for a second-half foul on Gabriel Martinelli.
Arsenal made a fast start and took a deserved lead when Thomas Partey side-footed a precise finish into the top corner from 25 yards after 20 minutes.
Spurs were handed a lifeline before the break when Gabriel's foul on Richarlison gave Harry Kane the opportunity to score his 14th goal in 18 derby games and his 100th goal away from home in the Premier League from the penalty spot.
Arsenal were gifted the lead once again when Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris fumbled badly to allow Gabriel Jesus to score four minutes after the break, Antonio Conte's frustration made worse by Royal's reckless challenge on Martinelli that prompted referee Anthony Taylor to produce a straight red card.
Conte was attempting to make three changes when Granit Xhaka effectively ended the contest with a low finish past Lloris from inside the area.
There were initial concerns that Thomas Partey would not be available for the match after leaving Ghana's camp early due to a suspected knee injury.
He was declared fit on Friday, however, and he began the contest, putting on a fantastic performance, with the goal being the icing on the cake.
Arsenal fans gave Thomas Partey a standing ovation when he was replaced after 73 minutes, and he has received a lot of praise on social media.
Below are some tweets.
🇬🇭 Thomas Partey vs Tottenham:
- Played 72'
- 2 shots
- 1 goal
- 52/55 passes completed
- 65 touches
- 4 chances created
- 3/4 long passesWe need this man fit. pic.twitter.com/WAvP6a2QC8
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) October 1, 2022
That was a world class strike from Thomas Partey. Such a sweet strike in a big game!
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) October 1, 2022
Thomas Partey is not a name you often see on the scoresheet but when he scores it’s special 🇬🇭🔴 pic.twitter.com/Y9SvNDrwEw
— Bortey 🇬🇭 (@joelbortey) October 1, 2022
Protect Thomas Partey at all costs.
— WelBeast (@WelBeast) October 1, 2022
Thomas Partey’s goal against Tottenham was his 57th attempt from outside the box in the Premier League since joining Arsenal, with it being his first goal from outside the area. 😅 [Sky]
Granit Xhaka certainly enjoyed it. ❤️ #afc pic.twitter.com/XJA8g78DJy
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) October 1, 2022
Very SPECIAL goal to score in the North London Derby.
Thomas Partey ⚽️🔥❤pic.twitter.com/BBrs2ThjCF
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) October 1, 2022
Thomas Partey dey shame all ein enemies, what a goal
— Mempeasem President (@AsieduMends) October 1, 2022
Thomas Partey substituted after 72mins. I see!
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) October 1, 2022
Thomas Partey will have a better legacy in the premier league than Rooney and Scholes.
— Ara Maestro 🇬🇭🐬 (@_MukadasMaestro) October 1, 2022