In the aftermath of Arsenal’s pulsating North London derby victory, Ian Wright’s admiration for Ben White’s tactical acumen has sparked intrigue.
Dubbed the “thinking man’s s***house” by Wright, White’s subtle yet effective maneuvers during Arsenal’s set-piece plays drew attention. While not directly involved in the goals, his disruptive presence played a crucial role in the Gunners’ success.
During corners, White’s task was clear: unsettle Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario. His antics, including attempting to undo Vicario’s gloves, visibly irked the Italian shot-stopper, ultimately impacting Spurs’ defensive organization.
In a reflective moment on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright lauded White’s approach, describing it as “beautiful” and highlighting its effectiveness in unsettling opponents. The former striker emphasized White’s role as a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s set-piece strategies, particularly in exploiting the vulnerabilities of opposing goalkeepers.
Wright’s sentiments echoed the sentiments of many observers, including former player Gary Neville, who commended Arsenal’s set-piece prowess throughout the season. The Gunners’ success in converting set-piece opportunities has been a testament to the meticulous work of set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, a crucial aspect of Mikel Arteta’s tactical framework.
As Arsenal’s triumph in the North London derby showcased, it’s not always the goalscorers who steal the spotlight; sometimes, it’s the unsung heroes like Ben White, whose strategic brilliance shapes the course of the game.