Mikel Arteta hailed Thomas Partey’s performance in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Sporting CP in the Champions League as ‘one of the best performances I have seen from him’.

Arsenal delivered a dominant display on Tuesday night as goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Magalhaes put them three in front by half time.

Gonçalo Inacio pulled a goal back for Sporting shortly after the break but Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard struck to seal Arsenal’s win.

Partey, meanwhile, registered an impressive performance at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield and Arteta has backed the 31-year-old to be a ‘massive player’ for his side this season.

‘I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him, especially the way he’s dominated the game so that’s the level he can play, he’s progressing,’ Arteta said of Partey.

‘This year he’s been so consistent as well because he always has a role, that’s a big thing, he’s a massive player for us.

Asked whether Arsenal’s win could be considered a ‘statement’ to other sides in the Champions League, Arteta said: ‘For sure, the performance was there a few times and when we have played big teams, when we have played PSG, we were exceptional, again, when we played Bayern we were exceptional and some mistakes cost us.

Now it’s Inter, now it’s this level, that’s the level we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, then that creates belief, then on the next one the players will be better prepared. We need that consistency because the ability to do it is there

Arteta was also confident of seeing more from his Arsenal squad with players now returning from injury.

Asked what had changed since the international break, Arteta said: ‘A lot, because we were training with 11-12 players for a long period so they could not train and play and then suddenly almost everybody is fit and available.

‘It’s true, we are still managing certain players but their level is rising. I have no doubt we have the right ability, we are going to be a really good side