Mikel Arteta has ‘stern words’ with Arsenal star after losing first-team spot

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta cut a frustrated figure on the sideline as Arsenal took on Olympiacos in the Champions League at the Emirates Stadium and Ben White was targeted

Mikel Arteta had some stern words for Ben White as he returned to action for Arsenal against Olympiacos. White suffered a barrage of instructions from his boss during the opening half of the Champions League clash at the Emirates, as he shared a sideline with the Spaniard.

The defender made just his third start of the season against the Greek giants, having also been named in Arteta’s starting line-up against Manchester United and Port Vale. The 27-year-old missed games against Leeds and Liverpool with a knock but has been required to settle for a place on the bench in the Premier League following Jurrien Timber’s good form.

Against Olympiacos, White had an opportunity to prove himself once again under the nose of Arteta. The opposition ensured he had his work cut.

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White was persistently tested by former Wolves star Daniel Podence. The Portuguese ace found some success up against Arsenal’s full-back and Olympiacos appeared to press down the Gunners’ right side.

Arteta had stern words with White as the visitors attempted to find a foothold in the game, and when White prepared to take a throw-in, the former midfielder was also on hand, providing White with instructions. The Arsenal boss was almost man-marking his charge.

White lasted until the 57th minute when he was eventually replaced by Dutch star Timber. Gabriel Magalhaes was booked in the aftermath of the substitution for delaying the restart.

The early decision indicated that Arteta was not entirely happy with how the match was playing out. Mikel Merino was also replaced by Declan Rice.

Arsenal dominated the early stages of the match and took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian capitalised on impressive work from Viktor Gyokeres but the north London side struggled to build upon their promising start.

Olympiacos nearly found their way back into the match through Chiquinho. The goal was ruled out, however, after Ayoub El Kaabi, who first forced David Raya into a superb save, was judged to be offside and the flag was raised with little over 20 minutes remaining.

Bukayo Saka sealed victory in stoppage time however. The winger came off the bench to fire through the legs of Konstantinos Tzolakis after a tough evening in Europe’s biggest competition.

Arteta was also able to flex his strength in depth. In addition to replacing White, the Gunners coach was able to take a precautionary measure and replace Gabriel with Cristhian Mosquera.

The Brazilian defender suffered a knock after colliding with Tzolakis in the latter stages of the game.

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