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.
“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.
Arsenal looked on track for back-to-back victories as Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz gave them a 2-0 lead.
However, Villa fought back, with Youri Tielemans pulling one back and Ollie Watkins taking advantage of some poor defending by Partey to score the equalizer past goalkeeper David Raya.
The draw leaves Arsenal six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who beat Brentford 2-0 earlier in the day and also have a game in hand.
Arsenal will look to bounce back when they host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League later tonight before heading to Wolves for a Premier League clash this weekend.