Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, has observed how the presence of Thomas Partey in the Arsenal starting team provides England midfielder, Declan Rice, the freedom to contribute significantly to the team’s success.

Partey, whose 2023/2024 season has been blighted by injuries, made his fourth start of the season for Arsenal in their 5-0 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

Ian Wright, who was on punditry duties on Sky Sports, noted that Declan Rice enjoyed playing alongside Partey, as the Ghanaian midfielder made things easy for him.

Ian Wright noted that Partey’s deft touches and ability to just lay the passes on a plate for Declan Rice ensures that the English midfielder contributes more to Arsenal’s play.

The iconic Arsenal player further observed that with Partey at the base of the Arsenal midfield, Declan Rice roams around the field and covers areas that help Arsenal’s overall performance.

“Declan Rice can play as a six and eight and he has done that for England and Arsenal but when you have someone like Thomas Partey, it gives him the freedom to go forward and he contributes more. He (Declan Rice) has goals in him and is also big and strong. He can progress the ball and run with it.

“He can affect situations in the final third. He is showing what he can do as a number 8 because he has Partey covering behind him. When he is with Partey, it helps bring the attacking talent out of him,” he said.

In their second start together as a midfield trio, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard produced magnificent performances for Arsenal, who thumped Chelsea 5-0.

While Partey produced the pre-assist for two of Arsenal’s five goals, Declan Rice created the opening goal with a run from deep midfield, after a Partey pass.

Martin Odegaard bagged two assists, with the one for Kai Havertz’s second goal being the standout.

The trio are expected to start for Arsenal when they play Tottenham on Sunday, April 28, 2024, in the Premier League.