"What's this man's issue with playing him at RB" - Arsenal fans not convinced with star's position in EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace

Fans have reacted to Arsenal starting Thomas Partey at right-back in their EFL Cup quarter-final at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday (December 19). The Gunners are riding an eight-game unbeaten run across competitions, winning five.

Mikel Arteta's side are coming off a goalless Premier League home draw with Everton at the weekend. They are third in the standings after 16 games, trailing leaders Liverpool (36) by six points, having played a game more.

Meanwhile, their last outing in the EFL Cup was a 3-0 win at Preston North End in the fourth round in October. With a place in the last-four at stake, the Gunners have named Kiernan Tierney at left-back, Raheem Sterling on the wing, and Jorginho captianing the team.

However, fans aren't enthused with boss Mikel Arteta starting Partey at right-back, with one tweeting:

"What's this man's issue with playing Partey at RB, this man has lost it"

Another chimed in:

"Partey at right-back not convincing"

There were similar reactions from other fans, with one commenting:

"Partey still at RB and not in the middle. We in for a long night."

Another posted:

"Mikel wants Partey to get injured, why playing in the back?"

One fan tweeted:

"Arsenal STOP PLAYING PARTEY AT RIGHT-BACK"

The Gunners will have happy memories of their last meeting with Palace, winning 5-0 at home in the Premier League in January this year.

Arsenal vs Crystal Palace: A few tidbits

Arsenal have a commanding 29-5 head-to-head record over Crystal Palace in 48 meetings across competitions. Their last meeting - as mentioned above - saw the Gunners emerge victorious by five unanswered goals at home in the league.

The game saw braces from Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli (in stoppage time) either side of a strike from Leandro Trossard 14 minutes into the second period.

Palace are on a run of four straight Premier League defeats to the Gunners, with the two sides set to renew acquaintances in the league this weekend (Saturday, December 21) after their cup clash.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Bhargav