Thomas Partey may no longer be an Arsenal player, but his name is dominating conversations after the Gunners’ dramatic defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
The Ghanaian midfielder left the North London club at the start of the 2025/26 season following the expiration of his contract, with Arsenal opting to replace him with Spanish international Martin Zubimendi. At the time, it was seen as the beginning of a new midfield era.
But on Sunday, January 25, 2026, that decision came back under the spotlight.
Arsenal had taken the lead against United and controlled the game before disaster struck. Midway through the contest, Zubimendi made a costly error in possession, allowing Bryan Mbeumo to capitalise and draw United level.
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The momentum shifted instantly. What followed was a ruthless response from the visitors, who went on to secure a 3-2 victory on the night, silencing the Emirates.
As the final whistle blew, frustration poured onto social media. And despite not being anywhere near the team sheet, Thomas Partey began trending.
Many Arsenal supporters openly questioned the club’s decision to let the Ghanaian leave, arguing that his composure, game intelligence, and ability to control transitions are qualities the current midfield is missing.
Fans claimed Zubimendi has yet to reach Partey’s level, insisting the Spaniard’s inconsistency has cost the team at key moments this season.
Read some of the reactions below:
Partey any day too and it’s not even close!this guy is not criticized because he smiles alot on the pitch and looks like a nice guy and he is also white! Partey used to be killed for errors that he wasn’t even directly involved!imagine he had committed the errors zubi has done so
— Ed^WIN^✷‿✷◉‿◉👑 (@Edwinbayi01) January 26, 2026
Partey was the reason behind the unbeaten runs against top 6 all this years. Zubimendi has played part in 30% of the goals arsenal have conceded this season. He should check it & make the necessary adjustments or it will cause us the league title.
— Edisonokojie (@Edisonokojie1) January 25, 2026
People are waking up and smelling the coffee now.
The eyes dont lie. Partey’s disguised passes, balls over the top, composure, no shaky touches.
Yes he had some bozo moments but a fully fit Partey was compared to Rodri.
This Zubimeedi guy aint even better than Anderson.
— ✨Jabz_dalastking💫 🇵🇸🤲🏿 (@Jabz_DaLastKing) January 25, 2026
Prime Partey, for sure. Zubimendi was very poor today, but it’s not totally his fault. He’s been overplayed. Partey wouldn’t have been able to go this many minutes without injury. Zubimendi stays healthy, but puts in a couple shit performances to compensate.
— mb (@mb_02x) January 25, 2026
He is a failure of a signing. He is an Arteta signing and at the time Berta came the deal was all but done. Odegard is being asked to do his job every match. He can’t receive under pressure and play out. That is one thing Partey was excellent at.
— Kojo Yepah (@KojoYepah) January 26, 2026
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