Arsenal icon David Seaman has said that he does not understand Mikel Arteta’s decision to play Thomas Partey at right-back.
The Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Fulham over the weekend saw them drop points for the first time this season after conceding an equalizer in the dying minutes of the game. Having finished second in the Premier League last campaign, Mikel Arteta’s team haven’t exactly gotten off to an ideal start.
Arteta seems to be experimenting with the squad, having named a different backline in the first three games. An interesting change this season involves Partey being deployed at right-back. Although he has spent most of his career as a defensive midfielder, the Spaniard seems to trust him more than the conventional full-backs at his disposal.
David Seaman is not convinced with the new strategy as he believes the Ghanaian should return to midfield. He has also questioned the treatment of Gabriel Magalhaes, who did not miss a single game in the Premier League last season. While speaking on his podcast, the legendary goalkeeper said:
“It just feels awkward for me. For me, he’s a better player in midfield. I don’t know what’s happened with Gabriel [Magalhaes] because he played nearly all the games last season when he was fit or when he hadn’t been sent off and now he’s changing it. It is a strange one and I’m still trying to work out why.”
Arsenal Fever View:
Partey’s midfield position has been in doubt since the arrival of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz this season. However, the 30-year-old was impressive when he started alongside Rice in the Gunners’ win over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Ben White was exceptional last season in the right-back role, and with Gabriel on the bench, the decision to use Partey as full back does not seem sensible.
Arteta also made an other controversial change when he started Leandro Trossard in the centre-forward position ahead of the in-form Eddie Nketiah. The average performances so far this season has been a reflection of these changes.
Arteta and his men will travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to take on Manchester United. A positive result against the Red Devils will boost the morale of the players as well as the fans.
Read More: Arsenal defender Rob Holding in talks over exit, reports Romano
