Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has now shared his thoughts on something one Arsenal player did recently.
Arsenal were triumphant over their bitter locals rivals Tottenham Hotspur last time out in the Premier League.
The Gunners were able to keep their Premier League title dream alive with this 3-2 win in what was an unsurprisingly hostile atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
A fierce rivalry exists between the two North London clubs, and encounters between the two sides tend to throw up thrilling and somewhat strange spectacles. Sunday’s clash was no different.
Arsenal set a North London derby record with the speed with which they raced to a 3-0 lead. However, Spurs fought back after the break to make it 3-2 late on, which made for a nervy final few minutes for the visitors.
There were also plenty of individual battles unfolding throughout the match. Kai Havertz tangled with the Spurs centre-backs, whilst Declan Rice competed fiercely in the middle of the park. Ben White also took it upon himself to provoke the ire of the hosts with his antics in set-piece situations.
White has a reputation at Arsenal as being a master of the dark arts, and put this mischievous side of his game to good use against Tottenham.
How Arsenal star Ben White was able to frustrate Spurs
White amused Arsenal fans as he sought to cause chaos in the opposition penalty area at every given opportunity. The right-back, as he does in almost every match, stationed himself right beside the opposition goalkeeper each time the Gunners were awarded a corner.
The 26-year-old then sought to distract and frustrate the goalkeeper, and block his path should he attempt to come off his line and claim the ball.
On Sunday, White was facing off against Guglielmo Vicario, and took his efforts to wind up the goalkeeper to new heights. At one stage, the Arsenal man was spotted trying to undo the wrist strapping on Vicario’s glove, as the shot-stopper waited for a corner delivery to be sent into his box.
Whilst some pundits have have taken issue with White’s behaviour, his role in Arsenal’s set-piece routines serves a real function beyond amusing and infuriating fans. Mikel Arteta‘s side have scored more goals than any other Premier League side from corners this season, and struck twice in this manner against Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has his say on Ben White antics
Ultimately, Arsenal’s set-piece prowess was the telling difference between the two sides, and White’s role in that ought not be overlooked.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou was asked in his recent press conference, as shared by BBC Sport, what he made of White’s actions.
The Australian coach said “I know it’s great theatre, I understand it and it generates discussion, but, mate, whether he’s trying to undo his glove, tickle his armpit, I really don’t care.
“I try and get my players to not worry about that stuff, not focus on that stuff, it’s not important mate. Really it isn’t, and if you want to go down that avenue, well, what’s he [Vicario] supposed to do? Turn around and throw a punch and knock him out?…we’re not in the schoolyard.”