Mikel Arteta may have just found a way to make Bukayo Saka even better at Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta made several changes against Brentford, with Bukayo Saka dropping to the bench; however, one of his changes could be great news for the winger.

In total, Mikel Arteta swapped out three players from the team that started at Brentford with Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Jurrien Timber replacing Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Ben White.

One of the most interesting calls was White coming in for Timber at right-back, with the 28-year-old making just his second Premier League appearance of the season.

But he seamlessly slotted in at right-back and even created the Gunners’ first goal of the evening by picking out Mikel Merino.

The England international’s return to the team could actually be great news for Saka, with the pair having previously forged a strong connection down the right for Arsenal.

Ben White could help improve Bukayo Saka at Arsenal

Timber has been in brilliant form for Arsenal this season, but White might actually offer more going forward for Arteta’s team.

Timber has been called ‘the best right-back in the world’, so leaving him out of the team could be tricky, but it might get the best out of Saka.

White is exceptional at supporting whoever is playing right winger through his top intelligence and elite movement.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a superb return to the team against Brentford, looking a real threat down Arsenal’s right-hand side.

The former Brighton defender continuously linked up very well with Noni Madueke, which was quite reminiscent of his partnership with Saka.

Every time Madueke was about to enter the penalty area, White would often be spotted making a superb overlapping run.

This eventually paid off for the Gunners as Madueke picked out White’s run and his subsequent cross teed up Merino for the goal.

Regardless of who starts, Arteta now has two top right-backs to select from, once again highlighting how good Arsenal’s squad depth has become.

Alan Smith hails Ben White’s perfect cross vs Brentford

Alan Smith has hailed White’s perfect cross against Brentford and the passage of play between the defender and Madueke.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Smith said: “This is such a smooth little interchange between Ben White and Noni Madueke.

“The flick is so well timed, and as a result, Ben White has that chance to look up and deliver, which he does perfectly. The movement and anaciacaption from Merino gets his goal.”

Meanwhile, it was yet another goal for Merino, who now has 29 goal contributions for club and country in 2025.

The striker has been on fire for the Gunners, having also found the back of the net against Chelsea, leaving Viktor Gyokeres with a battle to earn his spot back.