If someone looks back at statistics in 5 years and sees that White assisted Saka for a goal in this fixture, they'll probably say "Of course, White assisting Saka was normal" and won't realize that it was White playing as a CB spotting Saka's run from deep and playing a ball for him over the top. It's great that that partnership exists even when White and Saka aren't playing near each-other.

But yeah, Partey was shaky as a right back, especially defensively, and he and Saka seemed to have almost no connection.

But it's that left back issue that IMO shows just how injury ravaged Arsenal has been.

Calafiori - Injured
Zinchenko - Just returning from an injury, not available to start
Timber - Injured
Tomiyasu - Injured
Tierney - Injured
Kiwior - Playing elsewhere
Miles Lewis-Skelly - Here's your shot!

And it's not even like MLS is a left back who finally got his shot. He's mainly a midfielder, so he's also playing out position. It's great that he's being picked, I love seeing youth players getting their chances, and not just in meaningless league cup games. I just wish it wasn't because more than half the defenders at the club are injured.

[–] Astrealix 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Tbf, I think MLS has been playing a left-back for like, well over a year now?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Exclusively? Or he's made appearances there along with other positions? I haven't seen anything that suggests that he isn't still primarily a central / defensive midfielder.

[–] Astrealix 1 points 3 months ago

I mean, he's only played LB for the senior team. Not sure tbf about whether he's played in midfield but I definitely remember seeing talk about him playing LB even for academy teams already.