White reminds everyone of his importance
- Published
In the aftermath of Arsenal's draw with Liverpool, with the talk about injury issues and refereeing decisions, one player has probably gone under the radar.
Ben White started the game at centre-back, the position he started his Arsenal career in, for the game against the Reds and put in an excellent performance.
Arsenal were dealing with injury issues at the back and with William Saliba suspended, White shuffled inside.
Bukayo Saka returned to the starting line-up after injury and White's partnership with the winger is a huge part of Arsenal's attacking outlet.
Arteta resisted the urge to put him out there and brought Thomas Partey in at right-back, a decision also made because of Arteta maybe not fully trusting Jakub Kiwior in a game of that magnitude.
When Gabriel did have to go off with injury, White partnered Kiwior at centre-back and he was a commanding presence there, constantly talking to Kiwior while ensuring the backline was set up correctly.
At the end of the match, White was the only regular starter from Arsenal's back four still on the pitch and his importance and development as a player in that time was really highlighted.
White still managed to link up with Saka during the game and his pass to Saka for the opening goal was one of true quality.
The Gunners take on Preston in Carabao Cup next and Saliba will be available for selection so it is not clear if White will continue in that centre-back role, but he showed in the past week just how important he is to this Arsenal side.
