2022 World Cup: Should Partey be benched? Ghana loss to Portugal has fans split on Arsenal midfielder

09:48 SAST 2022/11/25

Bulky Arsenal star in the middle of contention amongst Black Stars fans after loss against A Selecao.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was among the players who were on the receiving end of criticism by supporters after Ghana's 3-2 loss against Portugal in a World Cup Group H fixture on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao were on target for the A Selecao with Andre Ayew and Osman Bukari finding the back of the net for the Black Stars.

Partey played the entire game and managed one attempt on goal, two key passes and completed 86% of his passes as per the Who Scored website.

However, his performance was criticised by a section of Ghanaians, while others said he played his role well.

Here are the best fan reactions after the match.

Backpagepix

Questionable Partey

Thomas Partey in Ghana’s colors though. Very very questionable - Akwasi Amankwah
Backpage

Partey let down by teammates?

At Arsenal, Thomas Partey knows exactly what to do when his team is in transition and he receives the ball fast on his feet. First touch and plays to Granit Xhaka or out to Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli. The same situation with Ghana, Baba will have like four touches and misplace his pass - David Hundeyin
Impress Arsenal fans by benching Partey

They are blaming Thomas Partey now for the loss as if it's him to play everywhere on the field. They are saying he should be benched. We Arsenal fans shall be happy with it - Immaculate Nabu
Koji Watanabe

Addo played Partey out of position

Sick and mad to talk about Thomas Partey being poor. He was supposed to be doing the Salis Abdul job today and that's what he does best but your coach [Oddo Addo] chose to play him differently. - Kwesi Sarfo
Backpage

Partey is unreliable for Ghana

We need to render an unqualified apology to Dede Ayew, our captain because today, he was our only leader. Thomas Partey has done enough to show us that in the flamboyant white stripes of Ghana, he’s not that guy we can rely on! Otto Addo, this is on you - 1kaywa
Getty Images

Show your quality Partey!

Partey’s performance wasn’t even average. Disappointed and gutted to see him misplace basic passes. Partey, you are way above this, hopefully, next game you will show your true quality - Chimsi Mohammed
Getty

Even Messi could not save Argentina

What exactly did you want Thomas Partey to do? Even mighty [Lionel] Messi couldn't save Argentina from the Arabs - Samson Oluwole
Getty Images

Partey be blamed for Portugal goals?

Thomas Partey, jersey number 5 to be in the game or dropped. He was casual the entire game. I blame him for Portugal’s last two goals. He was not marking, not availing himself when the team attacked and passing players that are under pressure - Thabo Kgobo
Partey had most tackles

I wonder if some Ghanaian fans watch football with their eyes. Thomas Partey was the player with the most tackles in the match - Onasis
GFA

Partey should be benched

Thomas Partey should be benched in the next game - Memphis