Roy Keane believes Arsenal’s summer signing Thomas Partey can match the heights of Gunners legend Patrick Vieira after his man-of-the-match show in the win at Manchester United on Sunday.
Partey was a huge part of Arsenal’s pressing game at Old Trafford as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s second-half penalty gave them a first win at a “big-six” rival since 2015, a run stretching back 29 games.
Partey, a £45m Deadline Day signing from Atletico Madrid, drew high praise from both Sky Sports pundits and his manager Mikel Arteta, with a major comparison made to Gunners legend Vieira by Keane, who knows a thing or two about battles with the Frenchman.
“He was outstanding. He’s obviously no mug having played in big games. When you watch a player live that’s when you can judge a player and the more I look at him the more I wish he was in the United midfield. He’s big, strong and aggressive – and he can pass it forward. He can deal with the ball.”
“I had my battles with Vieira and I think this kid has got a chance of matching what Patrick used to do.”
“He’s a bit of a throwback. I don’t look at him as just a No 6, a No 8 or a defensive midfielder, I just think of him as a really good midfield player that can do everything. I think back to the likes of Patrick Viera and Emmanuel Petit – that was the golden era.
“Arsenal had a desire and energy to get the ball back. They were better in every department. Gabriel was magnificent and Partey was the best player on the pitch. He looks like an incredible signing.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta:
“He was really good, I wouldn’t like to go to individuals. It’s getting harder and harder to pick out the team, whoever I’m picking they play with a lot of courage.”
Sky Sports’ Oliver Yew:
“Partey showed exactly why Arsenal paid the £45m required to sign him on Deadline Day from Atletico Madrid. A huge presence for the Gunners alongside Elneny, who he struck up an excellent partnership with.
“Another key component of Arsenal’s new spine and Arteta will be hoping to see much more of that in the coming weeks and months. Top for Arsenal touches, possession won, tackles and interceptions and dribbles completed.”
