Mikel Merino was incredible for Arsenal against Brentford, but he still didn’t win the Man of the Match award.
The Spaniard got the nod to start up front ahead of Viktor Gyokeres, and he gave his side the lead with a superb header. In the second half, he assisted Saka’s goal that sealed the win for Arsenal.
Merino’s performance against the Bees was up there with his best in the famous red and white, but one player is adjudged to have had a better game – Ben White.
Ben White marks his Arsenal return with an assist!
Ben White’s stats show why he won the Man of the Match award over Mikel Merino
White was handed a rare start in the Premier League when Arsenal faced Brentford.
The Englishman is no longer the Gunners’ first-choice right-back because Jurrien Timber has been exceptional, but he showed everyone what he is all about on Wednesday night.
White assisted Merino’s goal after a beautiful move early in the game, and his runs forward constantly troubled the Brentford backline.
Even without the ball, the former Brighton man was incredible, and his stats back that up.
According to Squawka, the 28-year-old won more duels (10) and made more tackles (6) than any other player against Brentford. He also made six clearances, which was more than any of his teammates.
By doing so, White became the first Arsenal player in 10 seasons to register six or more tackles and clearances in a single game.
Those are the reasons why White was named as the Man of the Match by Sky Sports ahead of Merino.
Vote for Arsenal’s Man of the Match against Brentford 🌟
Ben White made one thing clear to Mikel Arteta during Brentford clash
White is a fan favourite at Arsenal, but there were a few concerns when he was named in the starting lineup against Brentford.
The England international hadn’t started in the Premier League since the first game of the season, and many people were unsure how he would perform.
However, White seemed to be back to his best, and his performance against the Bees on Wednesday night must have made it clear to Mikel Arteta that he is still more than good enough to play.
That is great to see after a season filled with injury troubles.
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