Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour believes Thomas Partey’s absence played a key role in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday night.
The Gunners fell behind early after Ousmane Dembélé opened the scoring in just the fourth minute.
Without Partey — who was suspended — Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to gain a foothold in midfield, particularly in the opening stages, as PSG dominated possession and limited the Emirates crowd’s influence on the game.
Speaking to Tribalfootball.com, Parlour said, “Arsenal missed Thomas Partey’s presence in the centre of midfield. They struggled to cope early on with the way PSG pressed and won back possession quickly.”
He also pointed out how Partey’s absence disrupted the balance of Arsenal’s midfield, forcing adjustments from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino.
“The closing down throughout the game should have been better... Partey was a big miss as it meant Declan Rice’s game changed and also (Mikel) Merino’s game too.”
Parlour, who was impressed by PSG’s front line, including Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, believes Arsenal’s attacking depth was also lacking.
He noted that PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made key saves to deny Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Despite the loss, he remains optimistic about Arsenal’s chances in the return leg in Paris.
“Arsenal are still in the tie, it’s only a one goal lead for PSG.”