Ian Wright criticizes Thomas Partey for his role in Brighton's equalizer against Arsenal

Thomas Partey has faced criticism for his defensive lapse in Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.

The Ghanaian midfielder was accused of failing to track Joao Pedro's run effectively, which led to Brighton's equalizing goal in the 58th minute.

Despite a strong first half from Arsenal, highlighted by an opening goal from Kai Havertz, the Gunners' momentum shifted when Declan Rice received a harsh second yellow card for blocking a quick free kick.

With Arsenal down to ten men, Brighton capitalized on the situation. Pedro pounced on a rebound after a save by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, following a shot from Yankuba Minteh.

Ian Wright criticized Partey’s defensive effort, noting that he should have been more proactive in marking Pedro.

“When you look at that and the play from there, you look at Thomas Partey. He (Joao Pedro) has literally run past him,” Wright told Premier League Productions.

“Thomas Partey also has to recognise, in that instance, he has to go all the way with Pedro. At least make a challenge, when Pedro just blasts past him and he is kind of jogging back.

“Those are the things, when you look back at that, you say ‘that could have been avoided’. Maybe you could have put more pressure on Lewis Dunk. He has the capability. Put more pressure on that. Cut that angle off him and then I think Partey has to cover Pedro.”

Meanwhile, Partey has joined the Ghanaian national team as they prepare for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Angola and Niger.