Arsenal defender Ben White played through an injury in the match against Manchester City, as confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta after the game. White started on the bench, with Riccardo Calafiori replacing him. Calafiori scored his first goal for Arsenal with a spectacular strike into the top corner. However, after Leandro Trossard was sent off for two bookable offences while Arsenal led 2-1, Arteta was forced to bring White on for Bukayo Saka at halftime. Despite White’s efforts, City equalized through John Stones in the final moments of the game.
Mikel Arteta revealed that White came on despite being injured.
Mikel Arteta sai “He would run through a brick wall for you. He added that he had informed White that he wanted to protect him, but White’s dedication meant he wouldn’t declare himself unavailable. We had a very difficult start. We struggled to control certain spaces we didn’t have enough ability. We adapted to that context in the best possible way. I’m so proud of them.”
Despite Arsenal’s strong performance and their near-victory after goals from Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes, Stones’ late equalizer left the two teams level after a pulsating encounter.