In a boost for Arsenal’s title charge, Mikel Arteta has hailed the return of Ben White as “tremendous” following the defender’s influential performance in their 2-0 victory over Brentford. With a challenging trip to Aston Villa looming on Saturday, Arteta is relieved to have the experienced right-back back in contention amid a season plagued by injuries and competition for places.
White, who has endured a frustrating 2025-26 campaign so far, made just his second Premier League appearance of the season at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. The 28-year-old had been sidelined by injury and slipped behind Jurrien Timber in the pecking order, but he seized his opportunity against Brentford with a standout display. Not only did White help secure a clean sheet, but he also provided the assist for Mikel Merino’s early opener in the 11th minute, putting Arsenal ahead in what has become a familiar pattern for the defender.
Remarkably, each of White’s last five Premier League assists has given his side the lead, with three of those coming against Brentford alone. His performance was a timely reminder of his quality, especially as Arsenal sit atop the league table and face mounting pressure from rivals.
Speaking after the match, Arteta expressed his personal delight at White’s resurgence, emphasizing the player’s positive attitude and importance to the squad. “Personally, I’m very, very happy for him as a human being,” Arteta said. “I think the rest of the team is the same because he’s a player who has always played for us, and sadly, because of the right reasons, he wasn’t playing that much. Because Jurrien [Timber] has been excellent, and he was out for a while, and then he needed to earn his place.
“But his attitude has been so positive, so good. Then, when you are ready, and you’re given the opportunity, you take it like he did. So I’m very happy that we have him back in the best version of himself as well, and we’re going to need him because he’s a tremendous player.”
White himself remains grounded, focusing on the team’s momentum rather than his individual comeback. In an interview with Arsenal’s official website, he reflected on the win: “Last week was a big week, and you need to follow up the following week, so it was really important to win. It’s like any game that we win, it’s so important for us, and we’re just going to take it game by game. I’ve missed it.”
As Arsenal gear up for their visit to Villa Park, Arteta faces selection dilemmas, with Timber potentially reclaiming his spot. However, White’s availability adds depth to a defense that has been key to their success this season. The Gunners will need all hands on deck against an Aston Villa side that has shown flashes of brilliance under Unai Emery.
Players to Watch
Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins The England international is hitting form at the right time, netting twice in Villa’s thrilling 4-3 win over Brighton last weekend. Prior to that, Watkins had scored just twice in his previous 18 Premier League outings, but his record against Arsenal is formidable. He has bagged six goals in 10 league encounters with the Gunners, surpassed only by his nine against Brighton. Watkins’ pace and finishing could pose a real threat to Arsenal’s backline.
Arsenal – Mikel Merino The Spanish midfielder has been in scintillating form, scoring twice in his last two league games, including the opener against Brentford—his 11th Premier League goal overall and ninth in 2025, more than any other Arsenal player this year. Since the start of last season, no player in the league has scored more headed goals in all competitions than Merino, with eight of his 14 strikes coming via headers. His aerial prowess and midfield dynamism will be crucial in breaking down Villa’s defense.
Opta Win Probability
- Aston Villa: 28.9%
- Draw: 24.5%
- Arsenal: 46.6%
Opta’s metrics give Arsenal the edge, but Villa’s home advantage and Watkins’ threat make this a potential banana skin for the leaders. With White back in the fold and Arteta’s squad firing on all cylinders, the Gunners will aim to extend their unbeaten run and solidify their position at the summit. Kick-off at Villa Park is set for Saturday, where every point counts in the race for the title.