Partey Will Come Good For Arsenal - Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has backed Thomas Partey to deliver for Arsenal after struggling in his first few months with the Gunners.

Partey joined Arsenal on transfer deadline day in the summer but has struggled with injuries and poor form.

Arteta is confident Partey will soon be firing on all cylinders for the club.

"He ticked every box to be able to play," Arteta said. "After every injury, there is a risk for a period, whether it is five days, a week... three weeks depending on the load that the player is exposed to.

"But it was a really specific action where he just overstretched the area going to the floor and got his foot trapped," Arteta added. "Before the game, you cannot know that would have been the way.

"It would be easy to say: 'Yes, we made a mistake' - but who would have known if he had played the next game or if he had come off the bench and played 30 minutes instead?"

"Rhythm-wise he has struggled a little bit because he hasn't had enough training preparation," he said. "But you can see his presence and the special qualities he provides to the team when he is on the pitch.

Arsenal are in Premier League action against Tottenham on Sunday.