He is a big influence - Arsenal boss praises Thomas Partey after Newcastle United win

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has lauded Thomas Partey following his impressive performance in their win against Newcastle United.

The Ghana midfielder was sidelined for over a month with a hip issue.

Partey came on the Gunners' 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace off the bench last week.

However, the 27-year-old was named in the starting XI on Monday night against Newcastle and the former Atletico Madrid man put in an impressive display.

"Really happy," Arteta said of Partey to Sky Sports.

"He got better and better as the game went on.
"He had a big influence. He gives us things that are different to any other player.

"Still, we have to protect him as he has missed a lot of football in the past few months, but we are really happy with his performance.'

Partey played 67 minutes in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Steve Bruce's side and supplied the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's opener in the 50th minute.

Partey joined the Gunners from Athletico Madrid in a deal worth £45million.

Arsenal struggled initially after Partey sustained the injury at the start of December but their Boxing Day victory over Chelsea kick-started a six-game unbeaten run, taking them to within seven points of fourth-placed Liverpool.