Ben White produced a defensive masterclass in the middle of Arsenal’s backline to keep Liverpool at bay – despite the Gunners going down to 10 men. Many Arsenal fans now think he is better than Virgil van Dijk.
Coming into the match, it was an interesting one. Liverpool were favourites at Anfield, but the Reds were without Sadio Mane and Mo Salah – and of course, Naby Keita. Arsenal have been in decent form of late.
But the game’s script was thrown in the bin on 24 minutes, when Granit Xhaka caught Diogo Jota – with the Portugal ace through on goal. Although not a dangerous tackle, Xhaka was out of control and Arsenal’s last man.
It saw Arsenal look to defend and take a 0-0 draw into the second leg at the Emirates next week. That is just what happened, keeping Liverpool at bay – who clearly lacked the effect of Salah and Mane.
What are Arsenal fans saying about White, and Liverpool ace van Dijk?
White has been brilliant since his £50million move to Arsenal. The England ace was heavily criticised after Arsenal lost to Brentford – the opening day of the season, in which the Gunners suffered a 2-0 loss to the Bees.
But since then, White has been stunning. In 22 games, White has helped Arsenal keep 11 clean sheets – conceding just 20 goals. Arsenal fans reacted, claiming £120,000-a-week (Spotrac) ace White is now better than van Dijk.
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