Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey expressed frustration following the team’s recent defeat to Bournemouth, which saw the Gunners suffer two second-half goals and extend their struggles in the Premier League.
After Arsenal's unbeaten run came to an end, Partey called on his teammates to "learn from our mistakes" and emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline. Despite earning three red cards in just six league matches, Partey believes the team is failing to grasp the seriousness of these errors.
Partey stressed that winning the league will be impossible if they continue to play with ten men due to frequent red cards. The midfielder referenced key moments, including Declan Rice’s red card in the August draw against Brighton and Leandro Trossard’s dismissal during last month’s clash with Manchester City, which also cost them valuable points.
During the match at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal remained goalless until William Saliba was sent off for denying a clear scoring opportunity. This marked yet another instance where the Gunners dropped points due to disciplinary issues. Partey acknowledged the repeated errors, stating that they must address them quickly if they hope to challenge for the title.
Partey also commented on the absence of key players, such as captain Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka, which left the team looking ineffective before Saliba’s dismissal. Despite playing with ten men, Arsenal managed to hold on until Ryan Christie and Justin Kluivert scored for Bournemouth.
The Ghanaian midfielder highlighted the importance of keeping a full squad on the pitch, noting that when they have 11 players, they usually control the game. He called for the team to focus on their responsibilities and avoid repeating mistakes that lead to red cards.
Partey concluded by stating that while they aim to win every match, they need to respond positively to setbacks. With important games coming up, including a Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk and a Premier League clash with Liverpool, Partey emphasized the need for the team to bounce back and stay united in their pursuit of success.