Former England and Arsenal defender Matthew Upson has warned Mikel Arteta that if the Gunners are to continue challenging for the title, he must do all in his power to prevent Thomas Partey from suffering another injury.

This season, Partey has already missed four games due to injury, including his team's lone loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

At the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, the Ghanaian midfielder scored his team's first goal of the year as Arsenal defeated Tottenham 3-1 in the north London derby.

"He was man of the match for me,’ former Arsenal defender Upson told Stadium Astro. "I thought he was excellent, obviously in terms of the goal contribution which is a big deal for a defensive midfield player.

"But just the simplicity. He’s that rock in midfield, that anchor allowing Xhaka to go and pick up those positions, allowing Odegaard to drift into those roles, knowing they’ve got the responsibility of someone like him sat behind them."

He added, "Today he was excellent involved in a lot of passing in the build-up, to me that’s a man of the match performance from a midfield player."

"Definitely, it’s a big thing they have to achieve. Whether that’s the manage his minutes, adjust his training schedule, whatever they need to do I feel they have to keep him fit ready for occasions like today."