Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praised on midfielder Thomas Partey following his performance on his first start since injury.
The 27-year-old was sidelined for over a month with a hip issue and played a cameo role in the Gunners' 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace off the bench last week.
Arteta threw their £45million summer signing into the fray from the off on Monday night against Newcastle and the former Atletico Madrid man put in an impressive display.
'Really happy,' Arteta said of Partey to Sky Sports. 'He got better and better as the game went on.
'He had a big influence. He gives us things that are different to any other player.
'Still, we have to protect him as he has missed a lot of football in the past few months, but we are really happy with his performance.'
Partey played 67 minutes in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Steve Bruce's side and supplied the assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's opener in the 50th minute.
Arsenal struggled initially after Partey sustained the injury at the start of December but their Boxing Day victory over Chelsea has kick-started a six-game unbeaten run, taking them to within seven points of fourth-placed Liverpool.
As well as being delighted with Partey's performance at the Emirates, boss Arteta expressed relief at star striker Aubameyang bouncing back from a tough spell in front of goal with a brace.
'I am really pleased with his performance overall,' Arteta added.
'That's what he (Aubameyang) has done through his career and mentally you have to be really strong in order to do that.
'He has come out of a difficult period. We have been missing his goals a lot.
'Today he has come back and scored two and contributed to the team to win and this is exactly what we need. So I am really pleased for him.'
Latest Stories
-
Chamber of Construction Industry pays courtesy Call on Roads Minister
38 minutes -
IRS slashing thousands of jobs in heat of US tax season
8 hours -
Farmers say bird flu a ‘crisis’ as egg prices soar
8 hours -
Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row
8 hours -
MTN FA Cup: Gold Stars knocked out on penalties by Attram Devisser
9 hours -
Assemblyman alleges kidnap, torture on orders of NDC Bono East regional chairman
9 hours -
CAS dismisses Luis Rubiales’ appeal against FIFA’s three-year ban
10 hours -
When finding love on Facebook becomes a family tradition
10 hours -
We are committed to reviewing Cash Reserve Ratio for banks – BoG Governor
10 hours -
We can’t afford to lose our Indigenous languages – Atwima Nwabiagya North MP
10 hours -
Ghana Police Service refutes claims of neglecting injured officer at KATH
11 hours -
Cybervergent Ghana outlines key strategies for a secure digital future
11 hours -
Morocco struck late to beat Ghana’s Black Queens in friendly
11 hours -
Combine studies and certifications to boost your career prospects, CIB Ghana Chief tells students
11 hours -
Greater Accra Regional Minister gives MMDAs 50-day period to fix streetlights
12 hours