Arsenal's sixth Premier League clean sheet of the season helped them on their way to a huge London derby victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A Gabriel Magalhaes strike in the second half was the only goal of the game as the Gunners strode back to the top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta's side have been at their free-flowing best for much of this season going forward, scoring 31 goals in 13 games which has included scoring three or more goals on six separate occasions. However, this performance was more about the guile and determination from those in the team with the responsibility of defending.
READ MORE: Josh Kroenke seen at Stamford Bridge amid Arsenal transfer talk and Premier League title bid
Ben White, who is still being played out of his preferred position, put in another excellent performance almost one that has become expected of him despite his unfamiliarity at full back and his manager was quick to praise the Englishman
He said: "I am really happy with him. He is playing in different positions. I think he is acclimating himself in a great way to that full-back position. His understanding with the players around him is top and I really like him. He always wants to be there, he trains every single day, he plays under any circumstances and I love the boy."
Arteta was then asked about his World Cup chances, saying, "That is not for me to decide. If he does I will be so happy for him because he deserves it."
While Arteta veered away from offering his verdict on White's chances of heading to Qatar, conversations are beginning to become more frequent about whether or not he should go to the World Cup and Gary Neville, speaking on Sky Sports Super Sunday, has indicated he should go and perhaps at the expense of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
"I just look at that right-back list. Reece James, if he's fit, [Southgate's] definitely taking him. Kyle Walker, if he's fit, he's definitely taking him because he can play right-back in the back four and at the right of a back three. Ben White has to go because of his flexibility to play right of a back three and on the right of a back four.
"In a World Cup, there would have been a penalty against him [Alexander-Arnold] today. And in the second phase or a final, he's given a goal away, so I don't think Gareth will trust him in a knockout game, which means will he then take him? He's got four brilliant right-backs also potentially to go."
READ NEXT:
Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal title hopes, Saka treatment and White's World Cup chance
Arsenal player ratings vs Chelsea as Gabriel superb and Ben White stakes World Cup claim
Chelsea vs Arsenal highlights: Gabriel seals Gunners win as Aubameyang disappoints
'Anonymous' - Arsenal fans send Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang message after poor Chelsea display
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Tomiyasu injury update, Europa League reaction, Chelsea call
