UCL: Thomas Partey makes season debut as Arsenal draw with Bayern

10th Apr 2024 | Source: Citi Newsroom

For the first time in the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League season, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey featured in the competition as Arsenal drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners drew against the German side in the first leg of the quarterfinal contest with goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka.

Despite struggling immensely in the Bundesliga, Bayern managed secured the draw with former Tottenham Hotspurs striker Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry getting on the score sheet.

Partey played 10 minutes in the game after replacing Kai Havertz. The Black Stars midfielder completed eight of 10 pass attempts, lost possession twice and lost a ground duel.

Due to injuries, Partey has missed out on The Gunners fine run on its return to the Champions League after the 2016-2017 season.

Partey missed three group stage games due to groin and hamstring injuries, wasn’t included in the squad on two occasions and was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s game against RC Lens in October 2023.

Leandro Trossard celebrates goal against Bayern Munich Photo Courtesy: Eurosport

Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka celebrate goal against Bayern Munich Photo Courtesy: ESPN

In the two legged Round of 16 tie against FC Porto, Partey missed the tie in Portugal to a hamstring injury but was an unused substitute in the second leg.