Mikel Arteta revealed after the 4-1 win over Leeds that some Arsenal players had been suffering from illness this week – an issue which meant that Bukayo Saka started from the bench for the first time this season.
It also affected Ben White, who had to cut short his warm up to attend to some pre-game business, but the 25 year showed no signs of it during the game, performing to a very high level and scoring the crucial second goal.
His performance, and determination to play, drew praise from his manager who said, “He had some issues as well in the last few days but he’s a big fighter and he wanted to be here.
“Obviously with the injury of Tomi we are short in that position and he scored a goal as well, which is good news for him and he was very good again.
“It was an issue that we had with some of the international players and players we had here but it happens. It was part of the context of the game and we used it in the right way.
“Players are so willing to step up and play in any context, which is great.”
White scored his second Arsenal goal, having grabbed his first in the incredible comeback win over Bournemouth, with Arteta pleased at the way he times his arrivals into the box.
“As a manager when he puts the ball in the back of the net it’s great, but if he doesn’t and then on the counter we have an open space, I’m not so happy,” said the Spaniard.
“But he’s timing those runs very well and he’s a threat. Even on set pieces, he’s improved a lot to be more dangerous and to drive more attention to the opponent.
“I’m really pleased with him.”
Ben White has been fantastic this season.
But what about Trossard! What a Jan buy. Possibly best Jan buy ever. Really added depth exactly when we needed.
COYG!!!
7 assists and a goal in 11 games
And it should really be 7 assists and 2 goals if VAR hadn’t screwed us at Brentford 🤬
I mean Leicester…who knows now…VAR has screwed us too many times this season!
Quite a goal it was too
It’s not just that either. His contributions are all over the pitch. Just a perfect addition.
Helluva game from zinny again, that dink to setup White’s goal is phenomenal and he’s simply everywhere. Almost like some cheat code. Took me all day to get the chance to watch. Nevy wait, but well worth it. Special team this mob! COYG!!
Guys, if you haven’t seen yet, have a look at Che$sea Villa highlights. What a joy is to watch Mudryk playing like trash the same night Trossard makes an assist.
Chel$ki don’t have highlights
Nice one, my son.
We don’t? I’ll get my people to buy some then.
I love trossard!
Best January buy would have to go to Arshavin.
I think Aubameyang would be the best by a considerable margin.
Anelka enters the chat.
In a list which includes Sol Campbell?
We signed Campbell in the summer.
Actually, Aubameyang
Purchasing Auba meant losing Giroud which in hindsight was a big mistake. Giroud still going strong. Would love him back as an impact sub.
Imagine what a pair Giroud and Auba would have been together.
I’m really pleased with him as well
This team is fantastic. 9 left.
Ben wears his shorts in a very provocative manner!
I expect that the FA will fine Arsenal for that.
The view from the North Bank of fucking with Mesler before that final corner from Saka was my highlight of the game (after us winning of course!). How Mesler didn’t get a yellow, or maybe red is beyond me. But Ben just kept on grinning and fucking with him more!! Hilarious. Love our boy!
check out the corner on 69 mins ben grabbed his glove and was winding him up so much I was in tears!
So many of the boys are lovable.
But there’s something about Ben ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Best thing is that he genuinely doesn’t really like football. Never watches a game – seriously.
But he loves football, playing it!
Hates watching it, right?
Benjamin White is up for the fight,
We love him alright,
Could we win the league,
We just might…..
“ARTETA: BEN WHITE IS A FIGHTER”
…and a massive wind up merchant. His antics with the Leeds keeper were beyond funny. Plus he can play football as well.
What a guy!
I cannot wait to see him wind up Grealish.
I’d pay good money to watch that showdown.
We now have fight, courage, leadership and winners all over the pitch.
When was the last time we could honestly say that?
2004.
If you count zinchenko as a midfieder, we play with 4 national team captains in midfield.
thats a great picture of white. i love how thus guy is quietly becoming a bit of an icon of the team.