Ghanaian Thomas Partey made his first competitive start for the Gunners last night after his move from Spanish side Atletico Madrid. Partey became the first Ghanaian player to start a competitive match for Arsenal since Emmanuel Frimpong in October 2012.
The 27-year-old was handed a full starting Berth as Mikel Arteta’s side began their Uefa Europa League campaign against Rapid Vienna at Allianz Stadion with a win on Thursday.
Emmanuel Frimpong was the last Ghanaian player to start a competitive fixture for the North London side eight years ago in a 7-5 victory over Reading in a League Cup fixture.
Partey joined Arsenal on a four-year deal with the option of an additional season on October 5, bringing an end to his nine-year stint at Atletico Madrid.
The Ghanaian Ghana started from bench in Arsenal’s Premier League against Manchester last weekend, he was later brought on in the 83rd minute to replace former captain Granit Xhaka in their 1-0 loss to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.