Arsenal defeat Sporting 1-0 but defender Ben White faces heavy criticism
Gabriel Martinelli scored a late winner as Arsenal secured a fortunate 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.
The Gunners arrived in Portugal hoping to bounce back after exiting two domestic cup competitions in their previous two fixtures.
Mikel Arteta’s side faced a daunting task against the domestic champions-in-waiting, who boasted a formidable 17-match winning streak on home soil.
Arsenal survive fierce Lisbon test
The hosts regularly exposed the north London backline through rapid counter-attacks, but ultimately failed to capitalise on their promising opportunities.
Despite securing a vital advantage to take back to Emirates Stadium next week, significant frustration has been directed towards the performance of Ben White.
The former Brighton defender has recently replaced Jurrien Timber on the right flank following a sudden string of starting appearances.
White struggles upon starting return
His leggy display in Lisbon drew immediate ire from supporters who questioned his long-term suitability for a team chasing major silverware.
One frustrated fan took to social media to demand an immediate transfer away from the club.
“There’s nothing to say about the player Ben White. Arsenal has to sell him and buy a new full-back. With White playing, Arsenal won’t win anything.”
Supporters demand immediate changes
The scrutiny did not stop there as others openly questioned whether the English international had lost his fundamental footballing ability.
“Does Ben White forget how to play football?”
Another disgruntled supporter offered a much blunter assessment of the 26-year-old’s current form on the European stage.
“Ben White is totally finished.”
A fourth vocal critic even grouped the versatile defender alongside Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus as the primary reasons behind their disjointed performance.
“Ben White, Martin Odegaard, and Jesus are the enemies of our success this season.”
Arteta must now decide whether to persist with his current defensive configuration when the two sides meet again for the decisive return leg.
