Arsenal fans’ response to Thomas Partey's Ghana being knocked out of the World Cup was indicative of how crucial the midfielder is to their title hopes.
Ghana, who were hoping to become the third African team to reach the last 16 in Qatar, lost 2-0 in a grudge match against Uruguay.
Andrew Ayew missed a crucial first-half penalty for the Black Stars, minutes before Uruguay’s Giorgian de Arrascaeta netted a brace.
However, La Celeste’s joy was soon extinguished after a late South Korea goal against Portugal saw the east Asian side pip the South Americans to the second qualifying spot in Group H.
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Ghana have now failed to qualify past the group stage in their last two World Cup appearances, having also gone out at this stage in 2014.
Partey back to Arsenal
While Ghana will be devastated to be going home from Qatar just 12 days into the tournament, Arsenal fans quickly took to Twitter to express their joy at seeing their star midfielder return to north London unscathed.
Echoing the sentiments of Gooners aplenty, Mureithi karani tweeted: “Call me selfish, but Ghana's knockout and Partey without injuries sum up today’s happiness.”
Akdgeneral added: “Sad for Ghana but to think that Partey is returning to arsenal without injury is a delight.”
Meanwhile GFSinfo expressed his happiness through song, by writing his own parody of England's ‘96 World Cup anthem Three Lions.
On Twitter, the Arsenal fan wrote: “He’s coming home! He’s coming home! He’s coming! Partey’s coming home! (x2)
“Cannon on the shirt. Thomas dodged an injury. 20 days of hurt. Never stopped me dreaming.
“He’s coming home! He’s coming home! Partey’s coming home! Etc”
Partey has been a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s midfield this term. The Gunners sit at the summit of the Premier League, five points clear of last season’s champions Manchester City.
Topics: Football, Thomas Partey, Arsenal, Ghana, Uruguay
Chris Byfield