“Does Arteta ever learn from his mistakes”, “Cost us the league last season” - Arsenal fans fume at ‘gimmick’ decision in line-up to face Brighton

Arsenal fans on X questioned manager Mikel Arteta's decision to play Thomas Partey in right-back against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. The Gunners have traveled to the Amex Stadium, where they will face the Seagulls in their first Premier League clash of 2025.

With Arsenal currently sitting in second place on the league table, the fans are expecting them to take home all three points and consolidate the position. However, they are fuming at Partey playing in right-back. The Ghana international, who is a natural midfielder, is versatile enough to play in the position.

Arteta has few options in the role, with players like Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu out of contention due to injuries. Jurrien Timber, who is more adept in a full-back role than Partey, is also unavailable due to suspension. There is an option on the bench in versatile 18-year-old left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Arteta has picked experience over youth.

In the Premier League this season, Thomas Partey has scored two goals and provided two assists in 18 games. However, fans are not happy about placing him in defense, as they reacted on social media platform X with comments like these:

"Partey RB 🙆‍♂️.. cost us the league last season that" a fan cried.

"Does Arteta ever learn from his mistakes. He should be fired from Arsenal if he wins nothing this season which looks like he won’t.. we have Skelly… he just can’t Calafiori play RB and let Partey play his role which we all know he plays best at Arsenal [face palm emojis]," another fan analyzed.

"Why is Partey at RB when we have options?" another complained.

"Partey at RB & Ødegaard on the bench? Well done Arteta [clown face emoji]" another fan was upset.

"Partey at right back, honestly have more face in Lewis skelly playing there!" a fan exclaimed.

"I dread seeing Partey on the right wing. It scares the sh*t outa me. Captain Fantastic on the bench? I think he needs time on the bench to recollect his thoughts and get right back into the groove of the game. Let’s see what the team have to offer with this selection." another fan analyzed.

"PARTEY AT RB GIMMICK IN 2025 😭" a fan cried.

"Stop playin partey RB 💔💔" another fumed.

"NOOOOOOO! Partey at RB. I just knew this would happen. Let’s see how the game goes." said another fan.

---

Mikel Arteta discusses Arsenal injuries in defense

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has discussed the injuries that his side are facing, especially in defense. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both out injured, and Arteta was asked for an update on the duo in his press conference ahead of the Brighton game.

The Spanish manager said (via the club website):

"Ben is still a few weeks away and Tomi again has done some stuff on the pitch but now because it’s been a long-term injury we need to see how quickly he can progress and how he reacts."

Tomiyasu has played just six minutes of Premier League football this season. White has been more active, playing nine games in the league and three games in the UEFA Champions League. He has helped to ensure five clean sheets in those 12 games.