Few stars shone as bright as Ben White during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brentford on matchday 14.
The fixtures are coming thick and fast, prompting Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad to preserve his starters; however, the gap between starter and finisher is nearly untraceable.
White was so influential against Brentford, making it easy to forget that he was making only his second start of the Premier League season.
It took the Englishman just 11 minutes to claim an assist, combining with Noni Madueke to set up Mikel Merino’s goal, but his attacking support wasn’t even the most impressive part of his game.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta told he has his own Frank Lampard at Arsenal after what happened vs Brentford
Ben White was on another level against Brentford
White’s downfall at Arsenal has been painful, but against Brentford, the right-back played as though he was still a regular starter.
Though his impeccable link-up play with Madueke earned the headlines, it was the defensive side of his game that really made a statement.
Ben White was unstoppable vs Brentford, can he get back into the starting XI?
White was defensively so good against Brentford that he exposed Arsenal to levels that hadn’t been witnessed across the last 10 seasons.
The 28-year-old became the only Arsenal player to have made six or more tackles and clearances in a single Premier League game since 2015/16.
White dominated in defence to the delight of Arteta, who now has the impossible task of trying to unleash his £50m signing more frequently.
Mikel Arteta confirmed why Ben White hasn’t been playing much
It’s been a tough time for White due to injury and competition in the Arsenal squad, which has seen his minutes reduce dramatically.
After the win over Brentford, Arteta touched upon White’s status in the squad, feeling the need to explain why he hasn’t been getting much game time.
“I think the rest of the team is the same because he’s a player who has always played for us,” the Arsenal manager said.
“Sadly, because of the right reasons, he wasn’t playing that much because Jurrien [Timber] was excellent, and he was out for a while, and then he needed to earn his place. But his attitude has been so positive, so good.”
Timber did come onto the pitch earlier than anticipated to replace Cristhian Mosquera, but thankfully, White was left to keep doing what he was doing on the right.
Arsenal’s squad depth is a continual point of praise this season, with the win over the Bees only pushing the narrative further.
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