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Football

06th Dec 2020

Mikel Arteta had to push Thomas Partey back onto pitch to defend second Spurs goal

Mikel Arteta had to physically push Thomas Partey back onto the pitch to help defend the attack that led to Tottenham's second goal

Reuben Pinder

Arsenal’s banter era is alive and well

Mikel Arteta had to physically push Thomas Partey back onto the pitch to help defend the attack that led to Tottenham’s second goal in the first half of the North London derby on Sunday afternoon.

Having taken the lead through a brilliant Heung-min Son goal, Spurs were in their element, soaking up pressure and ready to launch a counter-attack whenever the opportunity presented itself.

The home side doubled their lead, with Son turning provider for star man Harry Kane, who rifled the ball in off the bar with his left foot. But Arsenal were effectively a man down as Spurs charged forward, as summer signing Partey walked off the pitch, appearing to complain of an injury, though it would be hard to blame him for just giving up altogether given the way Arsenal were playing.

Manager Mikel Arteta, understandably panicking, physically pushed his defensive midfielder back onto the pitch to help defend the attack, but his efforts were in vain.

Partey managed one sprint before pulling up again. The Ghana international was then replaced at half time by Dani Ceballos, so one can assume he was genuinely injured. Still, it’s really funny.

Thomas Partey wanders towards the bench as Spurs recover the ball

Arteta thrusts his player back on with Spurs in the middle of a dangerous counter attack.

Thomas’ hamstring gives up again

Arsenal go 2-o down.