Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta has defended his decision to use Thomas Partey as a right-back during their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.The Ghana international was deployed in that role against Unai Emery’s side last weekend. While Partey faced some criticism for his performance, Arteta explained the tactical reasoning behind the change.“I had no choice. I didn’t have another right full-back,” he said.

0

“Who plays when Jurrien [Timber] isn’t available or his load is too high? I didn’t have another right-sided centre-back [against Aston Villa],” he added.

seemed set for two wins in a row after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz gave them a 2-0 lead.But Aston Villa responded, with Youri Tielemans scoring first and Ollie Watkins taking advantage of Partey’s defensive mistake to

1

level the game against goalkeeper David Raya.The result leaves Arsenal six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who earlier defeated Brentford 2-0 and still have a game in hand.Arsenal will try to get back to winning ways when they face Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League tonight, followed by a Premier League match against Wolves this weekend.

2