Champions League Semi-final: Arsenal Fans Blame Thomas Partey's Absence for Loss to PSG

• Football fans, predominantly Arsenal supporters, have concluded that Thomas Partey's absence caused the loss against Paris Saint-Germain
• A fourth-minute strike from Ousmane Dembele proved to be the decisive blow as the French champions pipped the Gunners on April 29, 2025
• With Partey expected to return to the starting line-up for the semi-final second leg, Arsenal would hope to stage a comeback next Wednesday

Arsenal will head into the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain with a big task ahead, after losing 1-0 in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

At the heart of their struggle was the notable absence of midfield anchor Thomas Partey, who missed the tie by suspension after accumulating too many yellow cards in the previous rounds.

The Ghanaian has been a pillar in the Gunners' European campaign, offering both defensive assurance and transitional balance. With his unavailability, manager Mikel Arteta turned to Mikel Merino to partner Declan Rice.

However, the reshuffled Arsenal pairing found it difficult to contend with the fluidity and sharpness of PSG’s central midfield unit - Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves - who seamlessly controlled proceedings from start to finish.

Partey's absence felt as Arsenal fall to PSG

The evening turned sour almost instantly for the North London outfit, who conceded a goal after just four minutes in front of their home fans.

Ousmane Dembele capitalised on a defensive lapse to rifle home what proved to be a match-winner, handing the visitors an early advantage.

Despite Arsenal's attempts to rally, the French side’s organisation and press-resistant midfield consistently disrupted the hosts' rhythm.

Declan Rice floated a dangerous free kick from the left flank, and Merino met it with a well-timed header that left Gianluigi Donnarumma rooted.

The stadium erupted in celebration, but joy quickly turned to disappointment as the VAR ruled the Spaniard to be narrowly offside, per Goal.

Statistically, the result marked PSG’s first away triumph against English opposition in six Champions League encounters, having previously lost to four different Premier League clubs in that run, according to The Analyst.

Fans blame Arsenal's loss on Partey's absence

In the aftermath, many supporters took to social media to highlight Partey’s importance:

@the_marcoli_boy boldly claimed:

"Thomas Partey was carrying Arsenal all along."

@FelixjoeAnsah6 chimed in:

"Arsenal fans don't even respect him, see how PSG are humiliating their midfield."

@ByleBenbaxter wrote:

"They didn't know he was their Agyenkwa yet they wanted him out, now he's out and they suffer."

@bonneyblaze81 lamented:

"So Partey no play they can’t even score eii, without Partey Arsenal is nothing."

@BillymanDelasi summed up:

"That composure from defence is missing."

Now, with the second leg looming at the Parc des Princes on May 7, per the official Champions League website, the Gunners face an uphill battle if their dreams of European glory are to be realised.

To overturn the deficit and book a place in the final for the first time since 2006, they need a stirring comeback. Partey's return might just provide the stabilising influence required for a major turnaround.

Meanwhile, Barcelona and Inter Milan will contest the first leg of their semi-final clash tonight (April 30, 2025) at the Olímpic Lluís Companys Stadium in Spain, with the second leg set for May 6.

Arteta acknowledges Partey's impact

Partey has been instrumental in Arsenal's midfield this season. In a Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon during the group phase, Arteta praised the Black Stars midfielder's performance.

He said: "I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him... he’s a massive player for us."

Partey's ability to control the tempo and break up opposition attacks has been pivotal in Arsenal's recent successes

Partey earns praise from Asamoah Gyan

YEN.com.gh also previously reported that Asamoah Gyan backed Thomas Partey as contract extension talks with Arsenal continued to swirl.

The Ghanaian legend said the midfielder had plenty to offer and the Gunners hesitated, he would not be short of suitors from top clubs.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh