Arteta should REST Partey and other 'key players', says Parlour

Mikel Arteta should REST Thomas Partey and other ‘key players’ for their FA Cup clash with Man City, says Arsenal icon Ray Parlour, who insists the Gunners boss must prioritise the title race

  • Arsenal face Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday
  • There is debate over how strong a team the Gunners should field 
  • They have established a strong lead in the table but are lacking some depth

Ray Parlour thinks Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta should be seriously considering resting Thomas Partey for Friday’s FA Cup clash with Manchester City at the Etihad.

The Premier League’s top two meet for the first time this season in the fourth round and Arsenal fans are divided over whether they should play a strong team or focus purely on their title charge.

Midfield is an area of particular concern with the Gunners having little in the way of back up for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

Ray Parlour believes Mikel Arteta should rest some key players against Manchester City

Parlour thinks Partey should be given the night off with the Gunners focusing on the league

And Parlour thinks it would be wise not to start Partey, who didn’t play in the one league game they lost this season.

‘Man City have got more depth in their squad so whoever he rotates you know a quality player is going to come into that position,’ Parlour told talkSPORT.

‘I think Mikel Arteta will take it seriously but I do believe he will rest a couple of key players, like Partey.

‘It’s a difficult one because he didn’t envisage being in this position top of the league at this stage of the season.

Arsenal fans are divided over how strong a team Arteta should field on Friday evening

‘He’s got to look at he Europa League starting soon as well. The league game is coming on February 15 which is a crunch game at the Emirates which is massive.

‘I’m not going to get carried away with the league. It was another great result last week against United.

‘Tonight it’s all about the team selection. But it’s a big game for both sides but I don’t think it will affect the league form too badly whoever goes out because you know there are going to be changes.

‘I think they’ll go there and put a performance in trying to get a result and Man City are a quality side so it’s a hard one to call.’


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