‘Tremendous’ Ben White finally back to his best as problems solved for Arsenal ahead of key Aston Villa clash
Ben White looked well and truly back to his best against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
The defender claimed an assist as Arsenal beat Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League to get back to winning ways.
Mikel Merino met the right-back’s cross to head in the opener, before Bukayo Saka scored off the bench to wrap up the points in stoppage time.
Declan Rice came off injured against Brentford, but the midfielder has since clarified that he was just suffering from cramp.
Mikel Arteta made several changes to his team against Brentford, as the Spaniard attempts to alleviate Arsenal‘s injury woes.
Ben White return well-timed as injuries pile up
White made a massive impression at Arsenal following his £50million move from Brighton in 2021, with the defender initially partnering Gabriel in the centre of defence.
But after the eventual arrival of William Saliba, the England international was moved over to the right of defence.
It was not a move that many Arsenal fans expected, but it worked spectacularly well. White combined brilliantly with Saka and Martin Odegaard, starring throughout the 2022-23 season.
| Ben White | Vs Brentford |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Tackles | 6 |
| Clearances | 6 |
| Duels won | 10/16 |
The signing of Jurrien Timber was meant to alleviate some of the burden on the right-back but the Dutchman’s injury to his anterior cruciate ligament saw White forced to continue, featuring in 51 games and often playing through injury.
That effort took effect last season, with the 28-year-old making just 26 appearances across all competitions frequent injury issues.
Those problems have continued into this season, but against Brentford, White looked back to his very best.
The defender was awarded player of the match and was a constant threat throughout the match, combining well with Noni Madueke and Saka when he came on.
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off injured against Brentford, and should Saliba not be fit to return, Arsenal were facing a serious problem ahead of Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.
But White’s dramatic return to form has softened that blow, with Arteta now set to name both the Englishman and Timber in the starting line-up at Villa Park.
Mikel Arteta full of praise for White
White is a firm fan favourite at Arsenal, and his return to form will have been superb to watch for the fans in attendance on Wednesday.
Arteta was extremely pleased too, and said following the game: “Personally, I’m very, very happy for him as a human being.
“I think the rest of the team is the same because he’s a player who has always played for us, and sadly, because of the right reasons, he wasn’t playing that much because Jurrien [Timber] was excellent, and he was out for a while, and then he needed to earn his place.
“But his attitude has been so positive, so good. Then when you are ready and you’re given the opportunity, you take it like he did today.
“So I’m very happy that we have him back in the best version of himself as well, and we’re going to need him because he’s a tremendous player.”
Arsenal will absolutely need White in form if they are to emerge from Villa Park victorious on Saturday, with Unai Emery‘s side representing a dangerous proposition.