Arsenal fans want ‘incredible’ exit-linked star to stay at Emirates after masterclass vs Chelsea
Ben White has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal in recent days, with several teams reportedly sniffing around.
Everton are strongly considering a move for White this month, as they look for a solution to their issues at right-back.
The Toffees are often forced to deploy Jake O’Brien in the position, and usually lack an alternative given the frequent injuries to Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman.
But Arsenal are reluctant to let White go, and Wednesday night’s game proved exactly why.
Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, to take a one-goal aggregate lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final back to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal fans demand that Ben White stays
White has only very recently returned from a hamstring injury, but the right-back was required from the start against Chelsea.
Jurrien Timber was switched to the left, given the injuries to both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.
The Englishman was well and truly up to the challenge. He nodded Arsenal ahead from a corner, after Robert Sanchez had been caught in no man’s land.
| Ben White | Vs Chelsea |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Duels won | 5/9 |
And after the break, it was White’s quick-thinking on the throw-in that allowed Bukayo Saka the space to drive forward before finding his right-back on the overlap.
Once inside the box, the 28-year-old powered low and towards Viktor Gyokeres, who tapped home after Sanchez had spilled.
Arsenal fans were in awe of White’s performance, and instantly encouraged the club against any idea of sanctioning his sale.
“There’s no freaking reason to sell Ben White to Everton,” one fan wrote. “What a player.”
Another agreed with the sentiment, and said: “Happy Ben White got a goal, I’m gonna be annoyed if we sell him”.
Others were more keen to praise the right-back’s performance. One X user said: “Ben White is the goat man, that’s an incredible cross”.
What did White say after Chelsea performance?
White shared the opinion of many Arsenal fans in his post-match analysis of the game.
The Gunners dominated the game, and likely should have put the tie to bed within the 90 minutes, on the balance of chances.
White told Sky Sports: “We didn’t play very well in the second half and let them give us more pressure. That’s how we conceded the goals.
“Not up to our standards really. It’s a bit disappointing, the second half, but a win.”
The right-back was his nonchalant self when asked about his moments of brilliance, and did not elaborate.
But Wednesday’s game has proved what was already known by most. White must stay put at Arsenal – he still has a part to play this season.