“We don’t deserve to win the league”, “What a f*****g joke?” - Fans react as Arteta names midfielder in Arsenal XI for Wolves clash 

Arsenal fans are furious with Mikel Arteta for starting Thomas Partey in his side's clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers in their season opener today (August 17). The Gunners will be looking to react to yet another failed title challenge by romping to victory at the Emirates.

Arteta's first team selection of the season sees David Raya start in goal for the first time after his loan from Brentford was made permanent. Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Oleksandr Zinchenko are in defense for the hosts.

Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are partnered in midfield by Partey, who seemingly has a point to prove to fans. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are in attack.

Partey, 31, is in his fourth season with Arsenal, but many ponder whether he can continue to be a starter. The Ghanian has a dismal injury record and missed much of his side's 2023-24 campaign.

Arteta is looking for a new midfielder, with Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino edging closer to a move to the Emirates. Rice is not a holding midfielder like Partey, but He could drop deeper to accommodate the Spaniard.

Partey's future has been a hot topic of discussion over the past two seasons. He's in the last year of his contract, and his starting role hasn't sat well with fans on social media.

One fan was bemused by Arteta selecting Partey, Martinelli, and Zinchenko:

"Starting yet another season with Zinchenko, Martinelli and Partey in our starting 11. What a f******g joke."

Another fan is already writing off Arsenal's title credentials:

"We don’t deserve to win the league until we get rid of Zinchenko and that freak Partey."

More fans gave similar thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), and one pondered:

"Still confused on why Partey is still employed."

One fan wanted answers from Arteta:

"Zinchenko and Partey starting on match day 1, is Arteta serious????"

Another fan slammed the decision to start the Ghana international:

"Zinchenko and Partey what the f**k."

One fan was in despair:

"Partey still starting for Arsenal (sad)."

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Arsenal are reportedly prepared to allow Thomas Partey to run his contract down

Partey has been handed a start today, but his long-term future looks to lie away from the Emirates. The north London giants have no interest in offering him a contract extension and he's expected to leave next summer, per FootballTransfers.

The former Atletico Madrid man's constant injury issues have been an issue for the Gunners. He only appeared 16 times across competitions last season amid a lengthy hamstring injury.

Partey has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, which looks the most likely destination. He was linked with Juventus last year, but the Serie A giants cooled interest during his injury-ridden season.