Posted by Head Coach of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has revealed that the decision to play Thomas Partey at right back against Nottingham Forest on Saturday was a tactical decision.
Arsenal opened their 2023/24 English Premier League season with a home game against Nottingham Forest.
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey who has been linked with a move away from the club all summer started the game at right back, a decision which surprised a lot but Mikel Arteta says was for tactical reasons.
“We expected a game that actually happened and we needed somebody else there in midfield to do what we have to do the best, and have more fluidity and occupy certain spaces in relation to how they were defending. I think it worked really well,” Mikel Arteta said as quoted by Arsenal website.
Arsenal won the game 2-1. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring in the 26th minute, before Saka made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute. Later in the game, Nigerian Taiwo Awoniyi pulled a goal back for Nottingham Forest.