“Wasting time as if we’re playing a charity match”, “He’s like a curse” - Fans slam Arsenal star for performance in 1-1 draw vs Brighton

Fans reacted to Thomas Partey's performance in Arsenal's 1-1 Premier League draw at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (January 4). The draw snapped the Gunners' three-game winning run in the league.

Ethan Nwaneri gave the visitors the perfect start by breaking the deadlock inside 16 mintues at the Falmer Stadium as Mikel Arteta's side led at the break. However, Joao Pedro's 61st-minute strike from the spot levelled proceedings as a share of the spoils ensued.

Partey, playing in an unfamiliar right-back role, produced an underwhelming performance, and fans were quick to react, with one tweeting:

"We will never win anything with Partey part of this football club. He's like a curse."

Another chimed in:

"Partey is a fool - holding the ball in the air like we're leading 5-0 instead of throwing it quickly. No urgency, no seriousness, just wasting time as if we are playing a charity match. ..."

One commented:

"Me in the day Partey leaves my club"

There were similar reactions from other fans, with one posting:

"I like Thomas Partey, but why does he take too long to make a pass?? Plus, he's been giving some risky passes too."

Another said:

"People watch Partey and think he's genuinely good."

One wrote:

"I'm not sure I've ever hated a footballer as much as I hate Partey"

Another posted:

"Partey having the worst game I've seen of him this season."

One wrote:

"How Partey has any fans baffles me so much."

Another wrote:

"Can't wait for the day when Partey leaves."

Brighton substitute Yankuba Minteh squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to put the hosts in front, but the Gunners held on, failing to find a winner of their own. The stalemate leaves them five points adrift of leaders Liverpool (45), who have two games in hand.

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"This is a tough place to come" - Arsenal boss after Brighton draw

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted that trips to Brighton aren't easy, as his side split points after being in control for large swathes. A freakish penalty saw the hosts draw level from the spot, and the Gunners failed to regroup.

Having won their last three league games, Arteta's side were largely solid in defence but failed to make their dominance count, especially in the second half. The Spaniard said (as per the BBC):

"Obviously we wanted to win the game. This is a tough place to come, and they are a very good side. We started well, scored a beautiful goal, and we were in control.

"In the second half, we didn't really grab the game or dominate enough to have certain moments and be more of a threat in their half. But defensively, we did not concede much apart from the transition moment with Minteh."

Arsenal next take on Newcastle United at home on Tuesday in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg. Five days later, they host Manchester United in the league.