Ben White Speaks Out After Tense Touchline Exchange With Mikel Arteta
Arsenal secured a solid 2-0 victory over Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, yet the post-match conversation centered not on the scoreline but on a heated interaction between Ben White and manager Mikel Arteta. The English defender admitted that while he made some mistakes during the game that nearly allowed the opposition to score, the words Arteta directed at him from the touchline were unnecessarily harsh and unprofessional. White revealed that the exchange left him upset and frustrated, emphasizing that he would not tolerate such treatment lightly.
Despite Arsenal’s strong overall performance, including a 12th-minute opener from Gabriel Martinelli and a stoppage-time goal from Bukayo Saka, Arteta appeared visibly annoyed with White during the match. The frustration seemed to stem from defensive errors that disrupted the otherwise smooth flow of the team. TNT Sports cameras captured the tense moment, showing the two in a serious discussion, hinting at potential friction between player and manager if similar incidents continue.
White’s position in the squad may now face further scrutiny, particularly after Arsenal reinforced their defense over the summer. The arrivals of versatile defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié have added depth to the backline, increasing competition for starting spots. White, returning from an early-season injury, struggled to regain full rhythm and confidence on the field, and Arteta’s public dissatisfaction might signal that the Dutch defender Jurrien Timber is now preferred in the pecking order for the right-back position.
Fans also expressed concern over White’s performance, with some noting that he seemed sluggish during his first Champions League appearance of the season. Critics suggested that White’s role could be limited to domestic cup competitions while the team moves forward with other defensive options. With just under three years remaining on his current £150,000-per-week contract, White’s fitness issues and recent underwhelming performances have raised questions about his long-term future at the club.
While Arsenal fans celebrated a hard-fought win against Olympiacos, the spotlight on White’s struggles reminds us that even established players are not immune to scrutiny in a team striving for consistency and excellence. Arteta’s willingness to make bold decisions, including rotating key defenders, underscores the manager’s commitment to maintaining high standards and keeping competition alive within the squad. The coming weeks will be critical for White to prove his form and resilience, both in domestic and European competitions.