Arsenal: 3 standout players from Aston Villa victory

Aston Villa's English striker Ollie Watkins (R) challenges Arsenal's English defender Ben White (C) and Arsenal's Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England, on March 19, 2022. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Ben White of Arsenal celebrates with the fans after their sides victory during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Arsenal at Villa Park on March 19, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

3. Benjamin White – England Newcomer

Benjamin White’s fee and his pedigree were questioned relentlessly during the first three games of the season. There will be no such questions now.

Finally earning a senior call up to the England squad – not his first time, but his first since making the move to north London – has given credence to what Arsenal fans have known for months: this lad is very good.

This is, of course, a laughable understatement. In actuality, White is the modern center back and an exceptional one at that. Quick across the ground (despite what nonsense Gabby Agbonlahor says) and confident on the ball, he commands the backline with a quiet, calming presence.

While Partey provides the composure in midfield, White exudes calm in the back line.

Such is the dichotomy of attacking and defending players. The more people talk about attacking players, the better. The less people talk about defenders, the better. The talk that was on every broadcasters’ show has gone silent.

Next. This Arsenal team has something special. dark

Let us hope that there is nothing to say about White for years to come. Other than the fact that he doesn’t watch football and prefers that you call him Benjamin.

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