Arsenal fans are looking for a new signing in place of Gabriel to strengthen their backline. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta came out with a surprising replacement for the defender. He brought back defender Ben White to keep the backline in a steady condition. It is a position Ben White haven’t started for a year.
An Unconventional Choice
The obvious candidates to replace Gabriel are Piero Hicanpie and Cristhian Mosquera. However, opting for Ben White as the replacement would be a calculated, yet surprising move.
White was originally signed as a centre back. He was the first choice defender in that position during the whole 2021/2022 season. He even formed a solid partnership with Gabriel. White was only move to right back after William Saliba established himself and Gabriel proved to be unsuited for the full back role. This also means that Ben White comes with a deep understanding of the position. However, he is not a regular in that position.
The Tactical Choice
This move is not just for replacement but also for the greater stability. It maintains the defensive balance. This keeps Calafiori in left back where he started all the eleven Premier League games. It also reduces certain risks. It helps in avoiding throwing players like Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hicanpie into a high intense London Derby. Moreover, White’s experience and skill will work as an invaluable asset against Tottenham.
A Test of Squad Depth
Gabriel’s absence is a major blow for Arsenal. Historically, the team’s performance has declined rapidly dipped without him. Last season, Arsenal’s points per game average dropped from 1.98 with him to 1.81 without him. This potential switch underscores the value of a deep and versatile squad. This allowed Arteta to navigate this challenging period with minimal disruption to the overall defensive structure.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
