“Big reason why we look so shaky”, “IQ of a helmet” - Fans identify problem with Arsenal star despite 5-1 win over Crystal Palace

Arsenal fans on X reckon Thomas Partey is defensively a liability after witnessing his performance during their 5-1 win over Crystal Palace. The two sides faced off in the Premier League at Selhurst Park (Saturday, December 21).

Gabriel Jesus' sensational return to form continued as he gave the Gunners the lead in the sixth minute with a low finish. Thomas Partey was caught out of possession five minutes later, leading to Ismaila Sarr netting into the bottom-right corner.

Jesus completed his brace in the 14th minute, firing the ball into the top corner. However, Arsenal were dealt a massive blow soon after Bukayo Saka limped off with a hamstring injury. Kai Havertz tapped home in the 38th minute before Gabriel Martinelli (60') and Declan Rice (84') scored one goal apiece to hand the Gunners a dominant 5-1 win.

Thomas Partey started as the No. 6 after Rice was named on the bench. The 31-year-old looked promising going forward, providing the assist for Jesus' second goal. However, he was poor defensively, winning zero tackles, losing six duels, and losing possession seven times.

One Arsenal fan tweeted:

"Terrible and a big reason why we look so shaky."

Another fan typed:

"Don’t think there’s a worse protector of a back 4 than Thomas Partey. IQ of a helmet and doesn’t have the physicality to rectify it"

Other fans reacted below:

"His work load is too much for him in the midfield and that's it looks shaky. Haverz isn't really doing much in there," one fan commented

"God take all of bukayo sakas pain double it and give it to thomas partey," another added

"Partey is so useless, what’s the point in having a player meant to sit in front of the defence who can’t track a runner ffs," one fan tweeted

"Partey single handedly handing three chances and a goal to Palace but he’ll still be starting next week," another added

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How did Arsenal fare during their 5-1 win against Crystal Palace?

Arsenal followed up on their 3-2 win against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals midweek with an emphatic 5-1 Premier League win at Selhurst Park. Mikel Arteta's men are in third place in the table with 33 points from 17 games, three points behind leaders Liverpool - who have two games in hand.

The Gunners dominated possession with 58 percent of the ball, completing 476 passes with an accuracy of 87 percent. In contrast, Palace had 42 percent possession and completed 317 passes with an accuracy of 81 percent.

Arsenal also looked more threatening in front of goal, landing 14 shots in total with six being on target (xG of 2.88). They also struck the woodwork twice. In comparison, the Eagles landed 15 shots in total with six being on target (xG of 1.72). They also missed three big chances with David Raya making a pair of top saves to deny them early in the second half.

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Disclaimer: The above stats were taken from FotMob on December 22 at 1:50 AM IST. They are subject to change as per the platform's prerogative.