02 April 2024 , 07:50
535
0
Ben White played a key role as Arsenal shut out Manchester City on Sunday – but it was another of his qualities which caught the eye of fans.
The Gunners became the first side to prevent City from scoring at the Etihad Stadium in 57 games as they earned a point in a stalemate. White was one of the stand-out performers, providing an outlet down the right flank in attack, while keeping Phil Foden and Jack Grealish quiet in defence.
He has become a firm fan-favourite at Arsenal since joining the club in a £50million transfer from Brighton in the summer of 2021. That is primarily because of his talent and versatility, but also for shadier reasons.
White is not afraid to put a foot in and get involved in a battle and is also happy to put a bit of his personality into his performances. The 26-year-old has developed a reputation for winding up opponents and he was very much at it on Sunday.
It went under the radar at the time – perhaps because everyone was busy discussing the result and whether the match had been boring or not – but White tried his best to entertain his fans in the closing stages. After a very innocuous coming together with Grealish, White decided to have a very exaggerated roll around in the 93rd minute.
Wenger breaks silence on Arsenal visit as he doubles down on title prediction
He didn’t get a rise out of Grealish, who kept his cool, and referee Anthony Taylor, who rolled his eyes and told him to get up. But White certainly did provide some footage for his fan club, who convened on Reddit to discuss their love of his use of the ‘dart arts’.
“I will never get tired of White’s s***housery,” one fan wrote, to which another replied: “He is our resident master of it.” Another wrote: “I struggle to think of a better s***houser at the club over the past decade or so. He makes it art.”
Ben White has some history with Jack Grealish (Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! Are you a member of the Ben White fan club? Comment below.
After sewing his sides back together, one amused fan added: “I laughed so hard when I saw this, almost looked like the ref laughed too when he was telling him to get up.”
White has some previous with Grealish, having relished some battles against the City winger in the past. White was also spotted laughing at Grealish following the bust-up between the sides after Arsenal’s 1-0 win in October.
His latest clash with Grealish came after the England winger expressed his bemusement at why supporters boo him. "I always think about it. I always wonder, 'Why do they boo me?' – and my mum always asks me about it as well,” he said. But I don't actually know why it happens. At every single away ground I go to now, I get booed and I'm not entirely sure why it is – I just have to try and take it as a positive or a compliment."
and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our