Arsenal Fans Criticize Thomas Partey After Newcastle Defeat

Arsenal fans have expressed their disappointment with midfielder Thomas Partey following the Gunners’ 2-0 loss to Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The 31-year-old, who returned to his usual midfield role after a stint at right-back, struggled to make an impact and was substituted after 60 minutes.

Partey’s performance drew heavy criticism from fans, who took to social media to voice their frustrations. While some argued that he was unfairly scapegoated for Arsenal’s overall poor display, others described his performance as lackluster and below expectations. Jorginho, who replaced Partey, made an immediate impact, creating more chances and completing more accurate passes in his brief time on the pitch.

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were particularly vocal. One user, @KenyBecks, wrote, ‘Big big liar. Jorgie came in and created 5 chances in a space of 20 minutes.’ Another, @muchogocyrus, added, ‘Did you watch your TV eyes closed? Chances came up when he came off. Jorginho can see forward passes way better than Partey.’

Partey has been a key figure for Arsenal on numerous occasions, often earning praise for his contributions. However, this performance highlighted his struggles to maintain consistency. The loss to Newcastle further compounded Arsenal’s challenges this season, as they continue to grapple with form and injuries.

Meanwhile, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has also faced scrutiny for his recent performances. The Norwegian midfielder has not scored from open play since April 2024, a stark contrast to his prolific 2022/23 season, where he was the Premier League‘s highest-scoring midfielder from open play. Odegaard’s decline in form has raised questions about Arsenal’s attacking strategy and the lack of competition in midfield.

As Arsenal looks to address these issues, the pressure mounts on manager Mikel Arteta to find solutions and reinvigorate the squad. With the January transfer window open, fans are hopeful for new signings to bolster the team’s performance in the second half of the season.