Alan Shearer and Ian Wright were in agreement that Ben White fouled Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno for Arsenal’s opening goal at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
It was Gabriel Magalhaes who opened the scoring from a corner in the first half, with Wright stating that the Arsenal players knew that Leno doesn’t come for crosses, hence why White blocked his path.
But Shearer felt it was a foul on the former Arsenal keeper and Wright added that White was ‘impeding’ the German international.
The Gunners have showcased their class in open play for many months now, but this was Mikel Arteta’s side proving that they are just as deadly from set-piece situations.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Arsenal did target Leno, especially given that the whole coaching staff and players know his weaknesses inside and out.
Nonetheless, this is what Shearer and Wright made of that opening goal at Craven Cottage, as they told Premier League Productions (12/03/23 at 2:55 pm).
“I think there is an argument to protect the goalkeeper here,” said Shearer. “Leno can’t come for that ball because Ben White is blocking him.
“By the time, Ben White has stopped blocking him, the ball is actually in the six-yard box, so he has made his mind up. He still can’t come. By the time Ben White leaves him, he can’t punch for the ball. Leno is forced into that position he can’t come to it because he is being blocked there.”
Wright responded: “What you also have to understand is how much they know Bernd Leno. I think it’s one of his weaknesses for Arsenal was not coming (for crosses). He has kind of impeded him there. I can’t lie.
“But they know, once the ball is in a good area, then he’s not coming any further than that. They have used their knowledge of Leno very well. Ben White isn’t holding him. He is impeding him – we saw this so many times at Arsenal, he doesn’t come.”
ARSENAL SHOWCASE THEIR CLASS
This didn’t have the drama of Bournemouth, but it did have the magic of what Arsenal have been producing all season long.
That lead at the top of the Premier League table is back to five points and they are still to meet next month at the Etihad.
If Arsenal can maintain that lead to five heading into their meeting, then they can even afford to lose and keep their place at the top of the tree.
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