Partey's Absence Killed Us - The Scout Who Found Arsenal's Midfield Maestro Spills the Beans

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 6 mins read 106 Views

Watching PSG slice through our midfield on Tuesday was like watching a knife through butter. Painful. Excruciating. And completely avoidable if Thomas Partey had been available.

That's not just my opinion after drowning my sorrows with fellow Gooners at the pub. It's coming straight from the man who discovered our Ghanaian midfield enforcer before he was... well, our Ghanaian midfield enforcer.

The Man Behind the Machine

Wilfred Osei Kwaku Palmer isn't exactly a household name in North London. But in Ghana? Different story. As owner of Tema Youth football club, Palmer spotted something in a young Partey that would eventually lead him to Atletico Madrid, then Arsenal, and now to being irreplaceable in our midfield.

I caught up with Palmer yesterday (had to wake up at 4am because of the time difference - the things I do for Arsenal content). He didn't mince words about Tuesday's disaster.

"He does things nobody else does," Palmer told me from his base in Ghana. "If you look at the goal Arsenal conceded against PSG that's normally where he dominates. His importance is quite clear, he does things in that team that nobody else does."

Yeah. No kidding.

That Stupid Yellow Card...

Let's talk about the elephant in teh room. Partey's suspension. That needless yellow against Madrid has cost us dearly. When I saw him get that second yellow, I literally threw my remote across the room. My wife hasn't forgiven me yet.

Without him anchoring our midfield, PSG found space where there usually isn't any. That 1-0 scoreline flatters us, if I'm being honest.

From Exit Door to New Contract?

Remember back in January when we all thought Partey was as good as gone this summer? His contract running down, injury problems, blah blah blah. Fast forward to May, and suddenly there's talk of a new two-year deal.

Palmer thinks he should grab it with both hands.

"This is probably his best season since he went there, and if there's a chance for him to stay, then that should be his home," he said. "The fans love him, and I know he could make more money elsewhere, but I know him and he's got it in him to play at the highest level for the next five years. So why not do that at one of the best clubs in the world?"

Barcelona Lurking Like Vultures

Of course, Barcelona are reportedly circling. Because when aren't they? Spanish clubs seem to think they can just click their fingers adn our players will come running. Sometimes they're right (cough, Cesc, cough).

But at 31, does Partey really want to uproot again? Start over in a new country? Learn yet another language?

Look, I've spent enough time around footballers (mostly at charity events where they look bored out of their minds) to know that money talks. But there's something about Partey's demeanor lately that suggests he's found his home.

What Makes Him Special?

31 league appearances. 4 goals. But those stats don't tell half the story.

Watch him closely next time. The way he receives the ball under pressure and just... doesn't panic. Ever. While I'm screaming "PASS IT!" from the stands, he's calmly pivoting away from danger like he's having a kickabout in his backyard.

His line-breaking passes are the kind of thing you don't appreciate until they're gone. Like oxygen. Or decent WiFi.

God, we missed him Tuesday.

Can We Still Do This?

The good news? Partey will be back for the second leg in Paris. The bad news? We're 1-0 down and heading to their backyard.

I remember telling my son after the Madrid game that Partey's yellow would come back to haunt us. Hate being right sometimes.

But if there's one player who can help us overturn this deficit, it's the man from Tema Youth. The quiet assassin. The press-resistant machine.

Palmer found him. Atletico developed him. And now Arsenal needs him more than ever.

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The Premier League is England's top football league and one of its most popular and competitive leagues. It is contested by 20 teams and operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League (EFL). The teams compete every year, each playing 38 matches at home and away. Typically the season lasts from August to May. The Premier League's high-quality, star-studded football and global appeal are known worldwide.

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The Premier League is committed to supporting a variety of community initiatives that aim to improve lives through football. These efforts include education, sports and development programs aimed at young people. Promoting the inclusion of groups underrepresented in football and supporting projects using football as a means to promote positive social changes are also included. The Premier League's global reach allows it to make a significant impact both within and beyond the UK, emphasizing football's potential to contribute to societal well-being.

What distinguishes the Premier League from other European football leagues?

The Premier League is distinguished from other European leagues by several factors, including its global appeal, financial strength, and competitive depth. The league has a vast international audience and lucrative television rights deals. Premier League games are also unpredictable. Lower-ranked teams may have a chance to beat top sides on any given gameday. The intensity of the stadium atmosphere and the fast pace of the game also contribute to its unique identity.

How do you determine the Premier League champion?

The Premier League is won by the team who accumulates the most number of points throughout the 38 match season. Three points are awarded for each win, while one point is given for a tie and none for a defeat. In the event of teams finishing the season with the same number of points, the champion is determined by goal difference, and if necessary, the number of goals scored. If the teams still are level, then a game at a neutral ground may decide the title. But this scenario is not known to have happened in Premier League.

Do Premier League clubs have any financial regulations?

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Statistics

Ryan Giggs holds the distinction of scoring in 21 consecutive Premier League seasons, marking consistency seldom seen in such a demanding league.
In the 1995–96 season, Manchester United achieved the largest title-winning margin, finishing 18 points clear of the second-placed team.
Chelsea established the Premier League’s greatest goal difference of +71 in the 2009–2010 season, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive strength.
The 2018–19 season saw Manchester City accumulate a staggering 100 points, setting the record for the highest total in Premier League history.
Arsenal boasts an unbeaten streak of 49 Premier League matches from May 2003 to October 2004, the longest in the history of the league.

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How To

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Supporting your Premier League favorite team from abroad requires you to join the global supporter community. Join the international branches of many clubs. Join the team's social media pages and those of other fans to keep up with current events and news. You can also sign up for your team's streaming services if they are available. They often offer exclusive content or live match coverage. Look for local fanclubs or bars that host games and allow fans to come together.

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