Key first-team players Partey and Tomiyasu partake as Arsenal falls 4-0 in a surprising loss

In an unexpected turn of events, Arsenal faced a significant setback as they were defeated 4-0 by Championship side Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in a behind-closed-doors friendly match. Despite the presence of first-team regulars Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Gunners were unable to counter the spirited performance of QPR, who are currently battling relegation in the Championship.

Both Partey and Tomiyasu have been on the road to recovery, with Partey’s season marred by injuries limiting his playtime to just 41 minutes since August. Tomiyasu, on the other hand, has faced challenges with a calf injury, although he managed to make 20 appearances across competitions before the new year. This friendly was seen as a step towards regaining match fitness for both players, especially with the Premier League title race heating up.

Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League table ahead of giants Liverpool and Manchester City, viewed this match as an opportunity for Partey and Tomiyasu to enhance their recovery. However, QPR’s commanding win, fueled by a double from Michael Frey and additional goals from Elijah Dixon-Bonner and Ziyad Larkeche, underscored potential areas of concern for Mikel Arteta’s side.

While the majority of Arsenal’s squad is away on international duty, this match offered a chance for those remaining to maintain their competitive edge. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, among others, are expected to represent England in upcoming fixtures against Brazil and Belgium, leaving Arsenal to navigate this period without key players.

Partey’s involvement in the match extended to an hour before substitution, marking a significant phase in his recovery process. Tomiyasu, having recently secured a new contract, played the first half. This friendly against QPR, held at their advanced training facility, was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of football, with the Championship strugglers seizing a memorable victory.

Arsenal’s focus will undoubtedly return to the Premier League, where a pivotal clash against Manchester City awaits. This match is crucial for Arsenal’s title aspirations, as they currently lead by a slender margin over the defending champions, with Liverpool trailing closely on goal difference. Despite the setback in the friendly, Arteta remains optimistic, brushing aside concerns that the lighter schedule might disadvantage his team as they prepare for the challenges ahead.