Ian Wright now admits Arsenal really ‘missed’ £50m star despite beating Brentford

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Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes the club struggled to cope with the absence of Ben White on Saturday.

Arsenal were able to grind out a 1-0 win against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening. 

However, this match was a slog for the Gunners. Whilst they were almost undermined by their own mistakes at the back, Arsenal were also frustrated by a dogged and well-organised defensive effort from the hosts.

It was not until the 89th minute, when Kai Havertz’s header found the back of the net that the north London outfit finally breached the Brentford defences. The goal came via a Bukayo Saka cross, after the winger was able to make some space for himself and deliver a killer ball into the box.

Saka, and indeed Gabriel Martinelli on the opposite flank, had been kept quiet up that point as Brentford had ensured that he was constantly doubled-up on by defenders. In the wake of the match, Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted that his match plan had been focused on stopping the Arsenal wingers. Saka also spoke out about the challenges he is facing this season as he is seen as a key threat by opposition defenders. 

Bukayo Saka suffered without Arsenal teammate Ben White 

Iconic former Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes that the absence of Ben White on Saturday did not help Saka. 

White remained on the bench throughout this London derby clash, as he has struggled with a fitness complaint in recent weeks.

Whilst Takehiro Tomiyasu was perfectly solid at right-back, he does not have the same chemistry with Saka, which the winger and White have built up over the last couple of campaigns. White knows Saka’s game inside out, and is willing to work in service of the 22-year-old’s talent, making runs that create space for Saka to exploit.

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright said, “I think we missed Ben White.”

White is certainly a key player for the Gunners. Despite being signed as a centre-back in a £50 million switch from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2021, the 26-year-old has long since made the right-back spot his own.

Arsenal do look more comfortable with White in the side. He is so consistent and reliable, and willing to take possession of the ball high up the pitch and under pressure. Mikel Arteta will be looking forward to the full-back returning to full fitness and coming back into the starting XI.