Arsenal league winner Alan Smith was impressed by Thomas Partey in their Europa League victory at Rapid Vienna last night.

Smith wrote for the London Evening Standard: "He hardly put a foot wrong in a performance that showcased an impressive passing range that should encourage anyone in front to keep making runs.

"Holding midfielder? No, Partey is much more than that. He proved that emphatically with some incisive play that suggested a useful understanding could quickly develop with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

"Without wishing to get carried away, the way he bossed the game, Partey brought back memories of Patrick Vieira. For the first time since the majestic Frenchman's time, the Gunners may now boast a dominant force in the middle of the park who can change a game as well as mix it physically."