Arsenal legend Ian Wright has criticized Thomas Partey’s costly mistake in the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, labelling it as “unforgivable.”
Arsenal blew a two-goal lead on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with Partey’s defensive lapse allowing Ollie Watkins to grab a late equaliser.
While acknowledging that the Ghanaian midfielder was played out of position at right-back, Wright insisted that Partey’s lack of awareness in the moment was inexcusable.
“He [Thomas Partey] is not a right-back, and that is understandable, but as a professional player, he should have sensed the danger and not moved away,” Wright said on Premier League Productions.
“He should have stuck with him and closed Watkins down, but he failed. At that level, making such mistakes is unforgivable, and he cost Arsenal a win,” he added.
The draw dealt a blow to Arsenal’s title hopes, as they now sit six points behind league leaders Liverpool, having played one game more.
EE/EK
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