Arsenal produced a spirited comeback as they beat Rapid Vienna 2-1 in their Europa League opener on Thursday evening.The Gunners looked like they could be on the wrong end of an embarrassing defeat when Taxiarchis Fountas gave the home side the lead after 51 minutes. But two goals in four minutes - from David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - gave Arsenal the victory.All eyes were on Arsenal's new signing, Thomas Partey, as he made his full debut for the club.And he was absolutely superb.
The Ghanaian was all over the pitch and protected Arsenal's defence with vigour.He also impressed in the attacking side of the game as he produced some good forward passes.His debut was so good that Owen Hargreaves even said, per the Mirror: "It was the best [full] debut I've ever seen, honestly."This guy makes it look so easy. Everybody is looking to him. He runs the whole game, you can tell he’s been playing in the Champions League - it’s too easy for him."And the stats prove why Hargreaves was so impressed.Partey completed 83 passes, won 10 duels, gained possession eight times and made five tackles.
And his highlights from the game have emerged, created by 'Ball Productions' which emphasise what a good performance he put in.
Watch another highlights video below...
It's hard to do a defensive player justice in a highlights video. It's probably a bit far to say he had one of the best debuts ever, but it really was a brilliant performance from Partey.
It's important to note that it was only Rapid Vienna. He will play much bigger and better teams during his Arsenal spell.
But to produce a performance as good as his, despite only being at the club for two weeks, is extremely encouraging.
It's easy to see why Arsenal fans are so excited about him.
Mikel Arteta was also impressed with his summer signing.
"I think he held the midfield by himself in the second-half when we were a little bit more open and started to take more chances attacking certain spaces with some players," he said, per Goal journalist Charles Watts.
"But I think he was fantastic tonight and there is much more to come from him obviously.”