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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained his reason for dropping Ben White from their starting lineup to face Manchester City at the Etihad on September 22. Both sides are set to clash that will determine who sits at the top of the Premier League table at the end of this gameweek. However, the Gunners are set to take on their competitive rivals with White on the bench.
Ben White has been a regular part of the north London side's lineup this season. He's played the full 90 minutes in every single game since their opening-day 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17. He also took part in their goalless draw in the UEFA Champions League against Atalanta in midweek, playing the full match.
However, in what is arguably one of their most important matches in the season, the stalwart full-back has been left on the bench. Mikel Arteta explained the reason for this ahead of the game, telling the press (via Standard):
“It was a little bit forced, but we are ok. We've done it with different players but we have full belief in the players we have. It gives us something different.”
Arteta has opted for Jurrien Timber as White's replacement against Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta speaks about Arsenal's plan to face Manchester City and Erling Haaland
It will not be an easy task for Arsenal to take all three points home when they visit Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium today. They will have to be at their best to beat the Premier League champions and hopefully keep Erling Haaland at bay.
The Norwegian super striker has scored nine goals in the league this season, more than most clubs in the Premier League have across the last four games. Arteta spoke about his defenders stopping Haaland during a pre-match press conference, saying (via football.london):
"When you see the stats and the number of goals that he scores then you can tell that he is one of the main sources. We need to stop him from scoring."
He also made it clear that Arsenal would do their best to win the game:
"For sure we will prepare to try and win, like we did tonight. That’s been the message already. In order to do that there are going to be things that we have to do much better than tonight.
"There are some things that we have done exceptionally well tonight and we are going to have to do them again. Because we all know we need a big performance to beat them."
Mikel Arteta will hope Arsenal have what it takes to handle a strong Manchester City side. They are currently two points behind the champions.
