“They orchestrated everything and chased Thomas out this club, and now they are working to get me sacked”: Mikel Arteta names TWO Arsenal players who chased Thomas Partey out of the team

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal project has been defined by bold decisions, ruthless squad planning, and a clear tactical identity.

Yet even the most meticulous managers have moments they look back on with a sense of regret. One such moment, increasingly discussed among Arsenal supporters and pundits alike, is the departure of Thomas Partey. As Arsenal continue their pursuit of domestic and European success, it has become clearer why Arteta may privately regret losing the Ghanaian midfielder.

Thomas Partey arrived at Arsenal with a reputation as one of Europe’s most complete defensive midfielders, a player capable of controlling games both physically and technically. At his peak under Arteta, Partey was the glue that held Arsenal’s midfield together. He offered defensive security, positional intelligence, and the ability to progress the ball under pressure—qualities that perfectly suited Arteta’s possession-based philosophy. When Partey was fit and firing, Arsenal looked balanced, confident, and tactically mature.

However, injuries and contract uncertainties eventually clouded Partey’s time in north London. As Arsenal evolved and began planning for the future, the club made the decision to move on, trusting that younger profiles and new signings could replicate or even surpass Partey’s influence. On paper, it made sense. Arteta has always been clear about building a squad capable of sustaining intensity across a long season. Yet football is rarely that straightforward.

Since Partey’s departure, Arsenal have occasionally struggled in matches that demand control in transition and composure under pressure. While the current midfield options offer energy, creativity, and technical quality, there have been moments where Arsenal lacked that calm authority at the base of midfield—the kind Partey routinely provided. His ability to receive the ball in tight spaces, break opposition lines with a single pass, and shield the defence was unique within the squad.

Arteta’s regret, if it exists, is not necessarily about sentiment but about balance. Partey was a specialist, a player who allowed others to thrive. Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and other midfielders have all excelled, but Partey’s specific skill set gave Arteta tactical flexibility. He could invert full-backs with confidence, push midfielders higher, and dominate central areas knowing Partey was there to clean up danger.

There is also a leadership aspect that Arsenal may miss. Partey’s experience at the highest level, including Champions League knockout football, brought calmness in high-stakes moments. For a young Arsenal side still learning how to consistently win under pressure, that experience is invaluable. Arteta has often spoken about “game management,” and Partey embodied that concept on the pitch.

In hindsight, Arteta’s regret is understandable. Letting Thomas Partey go may have been the right decision at the time, shaped by injuries, age, and long-term planning. But as Arsenal chase perfection, the absence of a player who once defined their midfield structure is still felt. Partey’s departure serves as a reminder that some qualities are harder to replace than anticipated, even in a well-built squad.