Arsenal got the job done against Sporting CP and secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The Premier League leaders showed maturity over two legs and did what was required to progress, even if the performances were not spectacular. At this stage of the competition, results matter far more than style.
However, there were still a few big talking points from the game, especially when it came to Mikel Arteta’s team selection.
One decision in particular stood out – Ben White being dropped!
Who was your Man of the Match vs Sporting CP?
Mikel Arteta has clearly lost faith in Ben White at Arsenal
White has struggled at Arsenal in recent weeks and has made a few costly mistakes.
The Englishman’s performances have not been at the level expected, but Arteta continued to back him due to Jurrien Timber’s injury issues.
However, after the recent errors, it looks like Arteta had had enough and decided to take White out of the side when Sporting came to the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Cristhian Mosquera got the nod at right-back, even though the Spaniard is naturally a centre-half. That speaks volumes, doesn’t it?
When a manager prefers to play someone out of position over a natural option, it usually means trust has been lost. That is exactly how this situation with White looks now.
The former Brighton man was effectively overlooked in one of Arsenal’s biggest games of the season, and that sends a very clear message about his future at the club.
As for Mosquera, we thought the Spaniard was solid for large parts of the game despite playing in an unnatural position.
We won’t be surprised at all if he keeps his place in the Arsenal side against Manchester City on Sunday.
What is an appropriate price for Arsenal to sell Ben White for?
Ben White could be sold by Arsenal this summer
White’s future at Arsenal is quite clearly up in the air.
Arteta’s apparent lack of trust is a big thing, as hardly anybody has earned it back over the years at the Emirates Stadium.
White’s chances of game time in the coming games will reduce even further when Timber returns from his injury, thus casting an even bigger shadow on his future.
Over the last month, several reports have claimed that Arsenal are ready to sell White this summer, which would be heartbreaking because he is a fan favourite.
However, the upcoming summer transfer window may just be the right time for both parties to go their separate ways.
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