Journalist Charles Watts has now given his verdict on one huge selection dilemma facing Mikel Arteta ahead of Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal will take on their bitter local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in an enormously important Premier League clash on Sunday.
The task ahead of the Gunners right now is simple, albeit far from easy. Mikel Arteta’s side almost certainly have to win all four of their remaining games in order to stand any chance of being crowned champions.
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott has warned that Spurs will be desperate to “spoil the party” this weekend.
Of course, it will come as no surprise that Tottenham are determined to damage Arsenal’s title hopes. A fierce rivalry exists between the two clubs, and Sunday’s encounter is likely to be a feisty affair.
Arsenal must view Liverpool’s recent defeat to Everton as a warning as to how derby clashes can throw up surprise results.
Arsenal will need to be at their very best to get the result they need at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which means Arteta must get his team selection spot on.
The Arsenal midfield dilemma facing Mikel Arteta ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash
One of the key calls he must get right is the construction of his midfield unit. Thomas Partey made a strong claim for inclusion in the North London derby with his recent performance in the 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea.
The Ghanaian ace made just his fifth Premier League start of the campaign against the Blues. Arteta was finally able to pair Partey and Declan Rice in the middle of the park, and their partnership did not disappoint.
However, Jorginho has impressed for the Gunners this season, particularly in big games against top opposition. It will therefore be fascinating to see whether the £45 million former Atletico Madrid man or Jorginho is installed at the base of the midfield trio against Spurs.
Should Thomas Partey or Jorginho start v Spurs?
Charles Watts has now given his view on the matter.
Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said “I think Partey plays this game…I think it’s a really big decision Mikel’s got facing him in terms of what he does in the midfield against Spurs…I think the plan was probably for Jorginho to play against Spurs…He’s certainly going to be having some second thoughts in his head now because of Thomas Partey’s performance.”
If Partey is fully fit then he has to start on Sunday on the basis of his showing against Chelsea. His long-term future may not be at the Emirates Stadium, but at his best he is still absolutely one of the Gunners’ most influential players.