After finally netting his first goal in Arsenal colours and dedicating it to the Emirates fans, the Ghanaian was ecstatic.
Thomas Partey celebrating a goal that he scored was the rarest sight for Arsenal fans, who were waiting eagerly for the Ghanaian to net his first goal for the club. And he did just that, against Aston Villa, heading a corner by Emile Smith Rowe beyond Emiliano Martinez. Partey was, in fact, one of the stars of the game at the Emirates.
It was a bit amusing, considering Partey has come to be known for shots that are way off the target. Recently, Arsenal fans were bemused against Brighton & Hove Albion, as the Ghanaian midfielder decided to take a free-kick in an advanced position only to sky it into the stands.
Against Aston Villa, Partey looked determined to score past Martinez, having made at least 2-3 attempts in the game. Before he opened the scoring, he rattled the crossbar from five yards out. The Ghanaian certainly could have similarly scored another off a corner, but his attempt was wide of the target this time.
Mikel Arteta was pleased with Partey getting his first goal, and speaking to the media after the game, the manager said some words about the midfielder.
The first Ghanaian to score a @PremierLeague goal for us ??
That's @Thomaspartey22 ?#ARSAVL pic.twitter.com/K4h8IIdFKN
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 23, 2021
Arteta said, “Yes, because he’s been chasing it for a long time, and he could have scored another two, to be fair. I’m very happy for him, I think he enjoyed that moment in front of our supporters, and I’m happy for him.”
Further, the man himself faced the media lenses after the game, as he was quizzed about the goal itself. After the game, Goal.com posted some of Partey’s quotes, as he expressed happiness after getting his first strike for the club and dedicating it to the fans.
Partey said, “The team knew what to do. We had to keep fighting and keep our intensity. At the end, with the quality we have, we are able to get results. All the team was frustrated, and we wanted a win. That was the mentality we brought to this game today, and we were able to get our result.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. I think it was the right moment to have it and I’m very happy. The team performed very good. We have to do this every weekend and every game, and with this, we can achieve beautiful things. They deserve it. They have been supporting us when we have been down and when things have gone bad. This win is for them, and I hope they enjoy it.”
More than the goal, Partey will be happy about his improving form after a difficult maiden season with Arsenal. And after getting off the mark for the Gunners, the holding midfielder will be raring to inspire them to a memorable season in the weeks and months to come.
