BREAKING NEWS: I know I made some silly errors and mistakes that nearly lead to goal yesterday but common what Mikel Arteta said to me in the touchline was so rude and unprofessional to me, there’s no way I will accept such from Him”, Ben White finally reveals what Arteta said to Him after His silly mistakes against Olympiacos yesterday that got Him upset
Arsenal sealed a deserved 2-0 victory over Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League but Mikel Arteta was visibly annoyed with one of his players on the night.
The Gunners built on their remarkable 2-1 comeback win against Newcastle United in the league on Sunday by making it back-to-back victories. Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the game’s opener, firing home a 12th-minute winner to continue his impressive run in front of goal before Bukayo Saka sealed all three points in the 90+2nd minute.
Arteta will be pleased with the result and the performance for the most part, but may have some thinking to do regarding one of his starters. He was spotted screaming and getting into a tense-looking conversation that could spell trouble in the long run.
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos: Ben White May Be Playing For His Future
Arsenal’s Ben White looks dejected
Arteta is spoiled for choice in defence after a summer overhaul which saw Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie, two versatile defenders, arrive. That could spell trouble for Ben White, who was making just his third appearance of the season after recovering from an early knock in August.
White has been a favourite of Arteta’s for several years, but the English defender struggled to impress at the Emirates tonight, with his spell on the sidelines perhaps taking its toll. Most of Arteta’s men were on song, but he never seemed fully at ease, and his manager grew increasingly frustrated.
TNT Sports cameras caught the pair locked in discussion at one stage during the first half and it didn’t appear to be a pleasant exchange. It wasn’t the kind of performance that will have done the Englishman in his battle with Jurrien Timber for the right-back starting berth.
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The 27-year-old lasted until the hour mark before he was brought off for Timber, who has earned plaudits for an excellent start to the season. The Dutchman is undoubtedly in front of White in Arteta’s pecking order, and with the North Londoners possessing such a stacked pool of defensive talent, it could spell the end.
White joined Arsenal from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2021 for £50m, and he’s been one of Arteta’s utility men thanks to his versatility. But the Spaniard has shown he’s willing to make bold decisions such as wielding the axe on Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal Fans Fear For ‘Rusty’ White
Arsenal centre-back Ben White
Arteta wasn’t the only one who displayed their frustration with White, as several of the club’s fanbase voiced their concerns. One felt he looked sluggish in his first Champions League game of the season: “Ben White is really off the pace tonight.”
Another suggested that the Gunners have left the former Leeds United man behind in their quest to be the very best: “This team has moved past Ben White let’s be real.”
One proposed that he be used only for the domestic cup competition: “Ben White should play Carabao Cup only.”
Another supporter alluded to Arteta’s touchline tirade: “Arteta has been screaming at White in the touch line White looks rusty.”
One stated: “Arteta really isn’t happy with Benny White tonight.”
The Spanish coach’s frustrations were also noticed by another fan: “Arteta keeps getting very animated at White. Not sure what to read into that.”
White, who has just under three years remaining on his £ 150,000-per-week contract, has encountered fitness issues in recent times that have been problematic for Arteta and the Gunners. The Englishman can be one of the best defenders in the country on his day, but constant injury troubles alongside a summer rebuild now put his future in doubt.
