Chris Sutton has strongly criticised Arsenal central defender Ben White on BBC Sport for the role he played in Crystal Palace’s first goal at Selhurst Park in London on Monday night.
The former Chelsea striker and BBC Sport pundit believes that it was poor of Arsenal and England international central defender White to make the challenge on Palace winger Wilfried Zaha in the Premier League game after just 15 minutes.
White, who cost Arsenal £50 million (Sky Sports), need not have fouled Zaha, as the former Manchester United player was not really in a position to do much with the ball.
Conor Gallagher took the resulting free kick, which was eventually headed home by Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Sutton was not happy with White, who has also been criticised by former Liverpool star Jose Enrique.
Arsenal defender Ben White criticised
The pundit said on BBC Sport: “First of all, what a ridiculous challenge from Ben White on Wilfried Zaha to give away the free kick.
“Delivery from Conor Gallagher to the back post. Jean-Philippe Mateta hangs around the centre of the goal and plants a firm header beyond Aaron Ramsdale. No chance for Ramsdale.”
It was quite disappointing from White, and the Arsenal defender will be aware of his silly challenge.
Arsenal were far from their best in the first half against Palace, and the defenders really struggled against the Eagles’ attackers.
Now, just because White made a bad error just not make him a bad player overnight.
Such mistakes and poor judgement happen with all footballers, and we simply have to move on.
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