by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer
Arsenal’s hopes of closing the gap at the top of the Premier League were dashed on Saturday night as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Aston Villa, with Ghanaian international Thomas Partey receiving heavy criticism for his role in the equalizing goal.
Deployed as a makeshift right-back by manager Mikel Arteta, Partey struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar role. Despite a strong start by the Gunners, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz putting them 2-0 ahead, Aston Villa staged a spirited comeback.
Youri Tielemans reduced the deficit with a well-taken effort, but it was Ollie Watkins’ late equalizer that stole the headlines. Watkins capitalized on a defensive lapse by Partey, who failed to deal with a crucial ball, allowing the striker to volley past David Raya from close range.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood weighed in on the incident, placing blame on Partey for the costly mistake. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Sherwood remarked, “Thomas Partey is not a right-back, and he cost Arsenal for the second goal. That is not his position, so you cannot entirely blame him, but he cost them the win.”
The draw leaves Arsenal six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who extended their lead with a 2-0 win over Brentford and still have a game in hand.
Arsenal will now turn their focus to the Champions League, where they host Dinamo Zagreb, before traveling to face Wolves in their next Premier League encounter.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Liverpool and Real Madrid legend Steve McManaman has lavished praise on Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo, calling him an “excellent player” following his impressive performances for A.F.C. Bournemouth this season.
Semenyo, 24, was instrumental in Bournemouth’s stunning 4-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Saturday, ending the Magpies’ nine-game unbeaten streak. The former Bristol City forward’s ability to create and finish chances has been a key factor in Bournemouth’s recent success.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, McManaman commended Semenyo for his all-round contribution to the team. “Semenyo is an excellent player. He scores goals, creates chances, and provides assists as well. He has developed into a very good player for Bournemouth,” he said.
Semenyo has been in fine form this season, netting seven goals so far. The striker will look to maintain his scoring streak when Bournemouth hosts in-form Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has voiced his disapproval of Mikel Arteta’s decision to deploy Thomas Partey at right-back, following the team’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
With injuries ravaging Arsenal’s defensive options, Arteta has been forced to experiment, placing the Ghanaian midfielder in an unfamiliar defensive role. While Partey managed to perform admirably in previous outings, his errors against Aston Villa proved costly.
The Gunners looked poised for victory after Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz fired them into a 2-0 lead. However, a resilient Villa side clawed their way back into the game, with Youri Tielemans reducing the deficit before Ollie Watkins capitalized on a defensive lapse from Partey to equalize.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Ian Wright expressed his frustration, stating, “With the players available, I think Thomas Partey should not be playing in defense. He is a midfielder, and that is where he should be playing.”
The draw leaves Arsenal six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who secured a 2-0 win over Brentford and still have a game in hand. The Gunners will look to bounce back in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb before a tricky Premier League fixture away to Wolves.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has expressed his disappointment in Thomas Partey’s defensive lapse during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Ghanaian midfielder, deployed as a right-back by Mikel Arteta, failed to track Ollie Watkins during a crucial moment, allowing the English striker to equalize and secure a point for Unai Emery’s side.
Reacting to the incident on Premier League Productions, Wright criticized Partey for not recognizing the danger. “He [Partey] is not a natural right-back, and that is understandable. However, as a professional, he should have sensed the threat and stayed with Watkins,” Wright stated. “At this level, mistakes like this are unforgivable. His decision to move away cost Arsenal a win.”
Arsenal had taken the lead through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, but Villa’s Youri Tielemans pulled one back before Watkins capitalized on Partey’s mistake to level the game.
The Gunners will look to bounce back in their upcoming Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb before facing Wolves in the Premier League.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 20, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Soccer
Former Ghanaian football star Augustine Ahinful has called on the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to provide more clarity on Stephen Appiah’s responsibilities in his newly assigned role on the Black Stars Management Committee.
The GFA, on Saturday, January 18, unveiled a new Management Committee for the senior national team following the disbandment of the Mark Addo-led committee after the Black Stars failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Among the appointees, Stephen Appiah, revered for captaining Ghana to its first-ever World Cup in Germany, was named Vice Chairman of the committee. His portfolio also includes player relations, a role Ahinful believes needs further elaboration.
In an interview with Sporty FM, Ahinful expressed the importance of clear communication about Appiah’s duties. “I think that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) must explain further what they mean by player relations because the best relations are when the coach interacts with the players daily to know how they are doing,” he said.
He suggested that Appiah’s inclusion signals the GFA’s intent to address internal team dynamics. “I believe they have noticed something within the team, so they need somebody like Stephen Appiah to come on board to have that interaction with the players in a brotherly way to align them with the GFA’s vision,” Ahinful added.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Randy Abbey, tasked with leading engagements with government and stakeholders. Other members include Samuel Aboabire, Moses Armah, and Richard Nsenkyire, each assigned operational and strategic duties.
The GFA’s decision to overhaul its management structure reflects a broader strategy to improve the Black Stars’ performance and unity following recent setbacks.
