Arsenal returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Brentford yesterday.
Mikel Merino was the catalyst behind the win with an early goal and a late assist for Bukayo Saka.
However, it was Ben White who was handed the man of the match by Sky Sports following the game.
The Englishman made his first start in the league at right-back since the curtain-raiser at Manchester United.
The 28-year-old showed no signs of rustiness and made an instant impact with an assist for Merino’s opener.
Aside from his goal contribution, White won an impressive 10 duels on the night with four successful tackles and four recoveries.
The £50 million signing undoubtedly had his best performance of the campaign by a long stretch.
Merino made the headlines with a goal and an assist, but White deserved his man of the match award, in our opinion.
White has gone through a tough phase with the Gunners amid injuries and fierce competition from Jurrien Timber.
He had hardly got playing time at right-back due to Timber’s brilliance, and got a rare opportunity to make his mark.
Timber eventually came on to replace the injured Cristhian Mosquera in the first half.
The Dutchman played as the right-sided central defender, while White was allowed to continue in his full-back position.
Arsenal take on high-flying Aston Villa on the road in Saturday’s early kick-off at Villa Park.
It remains to be seen whether White keeps his place in the starting line-up if William Saliba is deemed fit to return.
Saliba could be available to partner Piero Hincapie in the heart of the defence for the West Midlands trip.
Arteta would then have a big decision to make on whether to start Timber or White on the right side of the backline.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com