Arsenal: How Mikel Arteta's Ben White masterstroke has given Bukayo Saka a huge boost

The centre-back’s new complex role has given the Gunners new options in the season run-in

Finding a way to cope without Oleksandr Zinchenko has been a constant headache for Mikel Arteta.

Since Zinchenko joined Arsenal two years ago, he has been integral to the way they build out from the back due to his ability to tuck into midfield from left-back.

It is a complex role — Kieran Tierney this week described it as "alien" to him — and it is only this season that Takehiro Tomiyasu has truly emerged as an alternative, because his positional play and efficiency on the ball has progressed so much.

But with Tomiyasu and Zinchenko both out for last Sunday's 6-0 win at West Ham, Arteta found a new solution.

Clear the way: Ben White kept Ben Johnson occupied in Arsenal's victory against West Ham, and that gave Bukayo Saka more space to make his mark
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The Arsenal manager essentially flipped his system, tasking Ben White with the job of moving into midfield from right-back. On the other flank, Jakub Kiwior was asked to operate as a conventional left-back. It proved a masterstroke.

The switch brought the best out of Bukayo Saka, who finished the game with two goals and the man of the match award.

By tucking into midfield, White dragged West Ham left winger Ben Johnson with him. It meant that — for once — Saka was not double-marked.

The result was a torrid afternoon for Hammers left-back Emerson Palmieri, who was more than once seen gesturing to his team-mates that he needed support.

Because of Zinchenko, Arsenal's build-up usually comes down the left. On Sunday, however, 47 per cent of their attacks came down the right, compared with just 24% on the other flank.

Marcelo Bielsa got Ben White to train as a midfielder during his Leeds loan spell

Saka revelled in the extra balls he received and should have finished with at least a hat-trick.

White impressed too and that was not a surprise. The 26-year-old is no stranger to playing in midfield, having done so during his season on loan at Leeds in 2019-20.

White predominantly played at centre-back, but when Kalvin Phillips was out he moved into midfield.

He also regularly trained there, partly because then Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa believed it would help his understanding of the game if he knew what those playing in front of him were being asked to do.

White's ability to operate as an inverted right-back gives Arteta more options going forward, while it is also a nod to the future. Summer signing Jurrien Timber, who has been out since August with a knee injury, was brought in because he can play as an inverted full-back.

West Ham United v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Bukayo Saka scored twice and should have completed his hat-trick against West Ham
Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The ultimate aim of it is to make Arsenal more unpredictable, with teams unable to know if they will build up from the left or right.

Using White in such a way against West Ham also helped Kiwior. The Poland international is a centre-back by trade and has struggled when asked to tuck into midfield.

In the defeat at Fulham on New Year's Eve, Kiwior was hooked after just 45 minutes and since then Arteta has moved to use him as a conventional left-back.

He looked much more conformable on Sunday and the fact he kept Mohammed Kudus quiet will be a big boost to his confidence. Kiwior has struggled for minutes this season, but in this role that could change.

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