Mikel Arteta may have unknowingly called time on the Arsenal career of one star after a decision he made during the 2-0 win over Everton on Saturday night.
The Gunners took one step closer to the Premier League title as late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and teenage sensation Max Dowman clinched the three points at the Emirates Stadium, in a game where it looked unlikely that they were going to be able to unlock the Toffees defence.
Both forwards came off the substitutes' bench in the second half as Arteta chased the game, but it was another substitution that the manager made during the 90 minutes that raised eyebrows among many.
Ben White Snubbed After Timber Injury
ben white
Arsenal had a difficult first-half, with Everton arguably having the better chances throughout the game, and they were dealt a major blow when first-choice right-back Jurrien Timber suffered a groin injury and was forced off just before half-time.
Arteta had White as an option on the bench ready to replace him, but the Spaniard instead opted to call upon young central defender Cristhian Mosquera instead, playing the Spain youth international out of position instead.
Mosquera had a fine performance and justified the decision as the team picked up the result they desired, but it surely left former England defender White scratching his head about where he is in the pecking order these days.
The 28-year-old has struggled for consistent game time this season, making just five starts in the Premier League and eight starts across all other competitions, and it now seems as though he has fallen even further down the pipeline in the manager's thinking.
White would have entered the season believing he could earn a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad after making himself available for England once again, but it would surely take a miracle at this stage, and that will leave the defender questioning his future going forward.
Time to Leave Arsenal?
ben white
White has been a terrific servant since joining in a £50m deal from Brighton back in 2021, it seems now that his time at the club is beginning to dwindle.
This summer will likely see a major crossroads in his career, as he is at an age where he will want to be playing regularly and at a high level, and there will undoubtedly be plenty of clubs paying close attention to his situation.
It's clear now though, that with the club in the run-in for a title and several other trophies, White is not a player that Arteta is counting on in, and that could mean that he has no future in north London beyond this summer.
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Mikel Arteta's 'Experiment' Backfired as Star Dropped 'Shocking' Display vs Everton
Late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman secured Arsenal a crucial three points in the Premier League title race.