Thomas Partey could only watch from the players’ lounge as Arsenal fell 1-0 to PSG in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, April 29, 2025.
The Ghanaian midfielder was suspended for the match after picking up a needless yellow card in the second leg of the quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, a decision that proved costly as his absence was keenly felt.
Without Partey’s composure, physical presence, and ability to drive forward from midfield, Arsenal struggled to assert control in the early exchanges and were punished just four minutes in when Ousmane Dembele swept home Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s low cross.
PSG dominated the opening spell, with David Raya forced into a superb save to deny teenager Desire Doue.
Arsenal eventually found their rhythm, but they couldn’t break through Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made crucial saves from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Partey looked on with visible disappointment, clearly pained by his inability to help his teammates. After the final whistle, he made his way down to the pitchside to console the players.
Source: ghanasoccernet.com
