Paul Merson blasts ‘atrocious’ Arsenal star after Aston Villa draw
Paul Merson branded Thomas Partey as ‘atrocious’ for his part in Aston Villa’s equaliser during their 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday night.
Mikel Arteta’s side appeared to be on course to secure back-to-back wins as goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put the Gunners two in front.
However, Villa pulled a goal back through Youri Tielemans before Ollie Watkins capitalised on poor defending from Thomas Partey to volley past David Raya from close range.
VAR then denied Arsenal a late winner as Havertz deflected Mikel Merino’s shot past Emi Martinez but replays showed that the ball struck the Germany international’s arm.
The draw against Villa has left Arsenal six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who beat Brentford 2-0 earlier on Saturday and also have a game in hand.
‘They shouldn’t have needed that spark, they’re 2-0 up,’ Merson said after Arsenal’s draw.
‘The defending for the goals, especially for the Partey goal, is just not good enough.
‘You’re 2-1 up, they’ve got back in the game, then you’ve got to be solid, you’ve got to try everything you can, you’ve got to pick players up, and for me it’s too easy, it’s just too lackadaisical.
‘If you want to win Premier Leagues you’ve got to be on it every day of the week, every weekend, you’ve got to be up and turn up, and you’ve got to make it hard.
