Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville was impressed by one Arsenal player in the first half against Manchester City.
Arsenal were under pressure for much of the opening period at the Etihad Stadium.
This was an unsurprising start to the game. It was always likely to be cagey given the enormous importance of the fixture and the respect these two sides clearly hold for the quality that the other possesses.
The Gunners were willing to sit deep and soak up pressure. Arsenal were warned ahead of this match of the importance of staying in the game and not conceding early. Mikel Arteta clearly took this caution to heart.
Manchester City dominated possession throughout the first half, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Only a Nathan Ake header from close range, as the Dutch defender connected with a corner, really troubled Raya before the break.
Ben White leads charge for Arsenal v Man City
However, when the north London club did get on the ball, they struggled to make much headway into opposition territory. Only Ben White, galloping forward from right-back, was able to offer a reliable and regular outlet for the visitors.
The full-back was brave in getting forward and looked to make things happen in the final third on the rare occasions that Arsenal were able to manoeuvre the ball that high up the pitch. Whilst the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka struggled to pull the strings in the manner that has been the norm this season, White was able to deliver a number of dangerous crosses into the Manchester City penalty area.
Gary Neville hails Ben White bravery
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville gave his thoughts on White from the Sky Sports (31/03/24, 17:02) commentary booth, as he stated, “Ben White is the one Arsenal player who has looked dangerous, looked himself, and looked like he’s got a bit of authority on the ball. It’s a lovely clip to the back post.”
White has been in impressive form in recent weeks, and looked fearless up against the reigning champions. White has recently been hailed by his Arsenal teammates for his “warrior” spirit, and that was on display at the Etihad Stadium, as the £50 million ace remained solid defensively and pushed forward to make things happen in attack.
Ultimately, though, the Gunners’ diligent, gritty display was rewarded with a 0-0 draw in the north west, which Arteta will likely be the happier of the two managers to have chalked up.