Forgotten Arsenal star sends timely reminder as Mikel Arteta prepares for title race run-in

Mikel Arteta received the perfect Premier League title message in Arsenal's win over Wolves. The Gunners headed into the huge clash at Molineux following successive defeats against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, but Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard ensured they were able to avoid a fourth successive game without a win.

The two goals arrived near the end of both halves with Arteta's side dominating the bulk of the game despite Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina forcing David Raya into two important saves. Arteta has relied on a core group of 15 or so players this season and that has been telling in recent weeks with a number of key figures appearing fatigued.

Among those are Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Odegaard, though the latter two were vital to Arsenal's victory in the Midlands. During the second 45 minutes, Rice struggled at points but he became far freer upon the introduction of Thomas Partey as Arsenal attempted to see out the game.

As a result of the Ghana international's introduction, Rice was allowed to push further up the pitch with Kai Havertz thrusted into the front three. Subsequently the Gunners created several chances and looked in no danger of conceding, and that was certainly no coincidence.

Jorginho has played frequently this season in the absence of Partey but it was telling Arteta opted for the Ghana international to calm proceedings. Despite his cameo, Partey departing north London at the end of the season remains a serious possibility with Arteta asked about his future recently.

“He’d better have his head here, because we are playing for big things," Arteta revealed earlier this month. "That’s what we expect. We need him. He’s a top player and important for us, you could see the other day on the pitch the impact that he can have for us.”

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Asked about a new contract, Arteta added: “He's our player, he's got one more year's contract and I'm really happy with him.” Even if Partey does ultimately leave in the summer, he could still yet be an influential figure for Arsenal in the final weeks of the season in moments where composure is needed, as it was against Wolves on Saturday.