Arsenal face Manchester City in a high-stakes match this weekend, where even a single mistake could prove costly. Speaking on The Rest is Football, Micah Richards has highlighted a potential area of concern for Arsenal as they prepare to face Manchester City. According to Richards, Ben White’s performance level has declined recently, and this could be exposed against a team like City.
Richards concerned by White’s form
Richards believes that White, who has been a reliable player for Arsenal, has been off his game lately. He suggests that City will target this weakness and put Arsenal under pressure. Richards thinks that, with the way Manchester City are setting up, Arsenal will be pushed back.
Richards said that he has watched White a couple of times this season and that he’s not been the same. He also mentioned Timber, and the impact of him not being fully fit.
Tactical battle on the flanks
The tactical setup of the game suggests Arsenal’s full-backs will spend a lot of time defending in their own half. White, who often steps into midfield to aid in building play, may not have the opportunity to do so. Instead, he might find himself in repeated one-on-one situations against quick and direct attackers.
Richards’ point is that players like Jeremy Doku thrive in these scenarios, isolating defenders and forcing errors through constant pressure. If White is not at his best, City will likely try to exploit that space repeatedly. A disrupted back line combined with City’s attacking intensity creates a situation where individual performances become decisive.
White needs to rediscover his form
Arsenal’s defensive strength this season has been built on control and consistency, but both could be severely tested at the Etihad. On his day, White is capable of handling City’s attack. Whether he can rediscover that form in time for Sunday’s game remains to be seen.