Arsenal legend, Paul Merson labelled Thomas Partey as ‘atrocious’ for his part in Aston Villa’s equaliser during their Premier League 2-2 draw with the Gunners on Saturday.
According to Merson, Partey’s defending was not good enough.
Arsenal appeared to be on course to secure another win as goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put them two in front.
However, Youri Tielemans pulled one back for Villa before Ollie Watkins capitalised on poor defending from Partey to volley past goalkeeper David Raya from close range.
VAR then denied Arsenal a late winner as Havertz deflected Mikel Merino’s shot past goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
Replays showed that the ball struck the German’s arm.
Speaking after the game, Merson said as quoted bybMetro UK: “They shouldn’t have needed that spark, they’re 2-0 up.
“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.
“When we look back on the goal with Partey, the second goal… it’s atrocious.”