I agree that Partey is a real loss this season. His ability to regain possession, make the ball safe, then distribute forward almost in one motion, is sorely missed. Gave our forwards a much less settled defense to fight their way through.

Agreed. Then again, there's been plenty of seasons where it's March and the EPL is out of reach and I'm like, "FA CUP OR DIE!" And this could still be one of those seasons...

Was there ever a debriefing on that formation? Would love to know what Arteta was hoping it would lead to. Seemed an awkward fit for the player.