Declan Rice as number 6, bring more stability in term both of offence and defence. But I really miss Partey dinamism, close control, and his ability to relieve pressure. With Partey and Rice, I believe they can switch position in play if needed, and create the unpredictability that Arteta really keen on. Was hoping he come and sub Jorginho last night. The fluidity that we have last year is what we missing this year, and its Xhaka-Partey that leaves a hole.
Partey has the elite press resistance as a pivot. He can play inside a mid block but Rice is not as comfortable at the moment and tends to drift wide or form a back three with the CBs to progress play. In my opinion, the true reason why we cannot play fluid football like last year is because we don’t have Partey and Zinny inside a mid block.
Think how Chelsea squeezed us in the first half again. It was a 442 mid block. Zinny was not as frequently inside the mid block, Jorgi is too slow and Rice’s great moments really come from runs down the byline instead of in the central area.
Partey sitting inside the block will solve every single issue.