Mikel Arteta has opened up about Ben White after Arsenal’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester City.
Many were shocked to see White start on the bench for Arsenal as the defender is regarded as one of Arteta’s firm starters.
The right-back was named as a substitute in the squad at the Etihad Stadium, seeing Riccardo Calafiori take his place for his full Premier League debut.
There was a lot said about White’s omission from the starting XI, with Arteta now providing some clarity on the situation.
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Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal’s Ben White was playing with an injury vs Man City
Speaking in the post-match press conference after the dramatic 2-2 draw, Arteta was quizzed on his decision to not start White.
The manager shared a shock revelation, admitting that the Englishman was playing with an injury, hence the decision to not start him.
Journalist James Benge reported that Arteta said that White would “run through a brick wall for you,” piling the praise on the right-back.
It was added that the Spaniard had hoped to ‘protect’ his first choice defender in the game as a result of the injury he was carrying, a plan that was not able to be carried out due to Leandro Trossard’s red card.
The Belgian’s dismissal before the interval saw the nature of the game change dramatically, with Arsenal defending a lead with 10 men for the entire second half.
White is one of Arsenal’s most important players
It wasn’t by any means the prettiest performance from the Gunners, who certainly gave it their all defensively.
Defending a 2-1 lead at the Etihad with 10 men against the champions was never going to be easy, but Arteta’s squad got agonisingly close.
White played a magnificent part in the effort to keep City out, with Arsenal’s valiant effort tarnished seconds before the full time whistle as John Stones netted the equaliser.
The 26-year-old is a player who is consistently reliable for Arteta, and a player that Arsenal can lean on in any situation, as seen at the Etihad.
Players of the Englishman’s profile should be feared by Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, and City in particular, who look to be up to take the title race to the wire once more.
Having a figure as adaptable and committed as the defender is hard to find, with White’s attitude, talent and desire to give his all to the club being something that cannot be bought.
Arsenal are edging closer to having the squad that can match City’s, with White’s second half display proving that Arteta’s side is full of spirited talent with the motivation to win.
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