The fallout from Arsenal's defeat against Everton could have ramifications for Saturday's clash against Brentford.
Whilst the Toffees were well worth the victory at Goodison Park, the Gunners fell short of the standards that had seen them go into the weekend's round of fixtures with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as a number of key players were below par.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has come in for criticism, Thomas Partey wasn't at his usual dominant best in the middle of the park during his 59 minutes on the pitch, Granit Xhaka struggled and Gabriel Martinelli's performance didn't go down well amongst some supporters on social media.
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However, the Brazilian is not alone in that regard as Ben White has also come under the microscope. The defender, who signed for £50m in the summer of 2021, has been nothing short of a revelation this season after moving out to right-back following William Saliba's integration.
But after being substituted at half-time in the 3-2 win over Manchester United when he was on a yellow card and struggling to cope with the in-form Marcus Rashford, another below par performance against Everton has led to fears that his levels are beginning to drop.
As a result, some Arsenal supporters on Twitter have suggested that White is rested for Brentford's visit to the Emirates Stadium at the weekend. For example, @BrianKarumba3 said: "Ben White to be benched and Tomiyasu to start", to which @NadiasonSebit agreed: "Tomiyasu's time. Ben White needs rest on bench."
Meanwhile, @eddygooner2 said: "Arteta really underrates Tomiyasu. We should rest Ben White", @originalmoru said: "Ben White needs a rest. Has not been himself since the Man Utd match. Tomiyasu should start next match" and @donnyomer said: "Sad for Ben White, he’s looked off it recently. Looking like Tomiyasu may have his position back against Brentford."
Should White be left out of the starting line-up against Brentford it would be somewhat of a surprise and the first time it's happened in the Premier League this season, therefore being named amongst the substitutes would effectively be a brand new role for the 25-year-old.
Luckily for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, he can call upon Takehiro Tomiyasu - last season's undisputed first-choice right-back option when fit and available for selection - as the defender has recently revealed that he's ready to step and offer a timely reminder of his qualities.
Interestingly, the Japan international's four starts in the Premier League this season have come as a left-back due to the form of White on the opposite flank, but he is relishing the battle: "You have to accept the reality," he said in an interview with Goal last week. "Ben White has been doing very well.
"He is fantastic. Of course, I want to play from the start. The only thing I can do is prove my value on the pitch and show what I can do. I just want to help the team. It doesn’t matter if I’m playing from the start or not. When I’m on the pitch I give everything."
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