Granit Xhaka highlights Thomas Partey’s importance to Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has underlined Thomas Partey’s importance to the club after scoring in their 2-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

Partey, who adjudged the Gunners’ Player of the Month for February for the first time opened the scoring against Leicester with a glancing header before Alexandre Lacazette sealed all three points for the Gunners.

Speaking to Arsenal Media after the game, Xhaka has heaped praise on his midfield partner.

“He criticised himself very hard I think [earlier in the season], but he’s fit, he’s healthy, he’s so important for us,” Xhaka said.

“You can see his qualities without the ball, with the ball and everything starts from him and not only on the pitch, but off the pitch as well he’s a lovely guy, a guy who helps the young people a lot, I’m enjoying being a part of the midfield with him.”

The victory at Emirates Stadium lifted Arsenal back into fourth place, one point above Manchester United, who beat fellow top-four contenders Tottenham on Saturday.