'Perfect fit' Ben White gets Arsenal right under Bukayo Saka, but even without England drama he has something to prove against Man City

Manchester City host Arsenal on Sunday in what is expected to be a decisive clash in the race for the Premier League title.

held city Liverpool to draw at Anfield in what may prove to be a crucial point last time.

If they can repeat last season's result when they host the Gunners at the Etihad, then they will be in the driving seat to add another Premier League winners' medal to the haul.

The game also presents the opportunity for compatriots to face off once again.

At the end of City's 4-1 victory Arsenal last April, Phil Foden and ben white The two were involved in a post-match confrontation and the two are expected to face each other on Sunday.

The white has be criticized having stated that he does not wish to be considered for the national team at this time.

However, this works in Arsenal's favor. The Gunners have not been in action since their 1-0 penalty shoot-out win over FC Porto more than two weeks ago and the last time the north London side had such a long break from action; They returned with a run of nine wins in 10, the only setback being a 1-0 defeat at Porto.

While the international break has seen players like Martin Odegaard and William Saliba By joining up with their respective national teams, White will have taken advantage of the national break to recharge after what has been another impressive season for the 26-year-old.

White has earned a WhoScored rating of 6.85, the fifth-highest among Premier League right-backs this season.

Of the six league goals to which the former Brighton player has directly contributed, four have come in his last five Premier League games.

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He was proving to be a useful offensive outlet on the right until the break in league duties and the hope is that he can pick up where he left off starting with the trip to Manchester.

A key reason behind Arsenal's magnificent campaign to date has been that right flank where both White and Bukayo Saka They have forged a magnificent partnership.

Since the latter is willing to clip the infield, this opens up space for the former to overlap. No wonder 40 per cent of Arsenal's attacks have come from the right; only Sheffield United and Chelsea (both 41 percent) focus their attacks on this side of the pitch most often in the Premier League this season.

Note that Odegaard plays on the right of the central midfield trio. Mikel ArtetaIt has the 4-3-3 configuration and you have the ideal triumvirate on that flank to help hurt opponents.

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However, what may prove costly for Arsenal on Sunday is that this desire to bomb upfield will leave space behind White that can be exploited by City, and Foden in particular.

However, even then White has the recovery pace to ensure that few, if any, opponents can capitalize on the space he leaves free.

In 2022, White was recorded as Arsenal's second fastest player behind Kieran Tierney, reaching a maximum speed of 36.36 km/h. While the desire to support Saka on the right may leave Arsenal exposed, the Gunners defender has what it takes to make up the yards and ensure this is not taken advantage of.

Of course, having a centre-back like William Saliba to cover that side helps, but still; Athleticism combined with technical ability and versatility means White is the perfect candidate at Arsenal's right-back.

In fact, he has played a key role in the Gunners' defensive resolve this season, as Mikel Arteta's side have scored fewer goals (24) than any other Premier League team this season.

Considering they have scored more goals (70) than any team and with the desire to attack down the right, this further amplifies White's importance to Arsenal.

While his second-worst-rated performance in a Premier League match for the Gunners came in this game last season, according to WhoScored.comThis time he will be out to prove something when Arsenal and City meet on Sunday afternoon.

In the 2022/23 match at the Etihad, the Gunners' title hopes went up in flames and White became involved in a heated exchange with Foden. With White well rested after the international break, luck may reverse this time.