Stars finally align for Ben White with Tuchel ending defender’s England exile

Head coach wanted to include him since his arrival but has had to wait for right-back’s first recall since quitting squad during 2022 World Cup

It was surely the moment of the match for Arsenal, albeit the bar was set low. The Carabao Cup final on Sunday appeared to be beyond them, Manchester City 2-0 up with 20 minutes to go and now Rayan Cherki was taking the mickey. The City winger controlled a crossfield pass on his chest and proceeded to play a bit of keepy-uppy.

Ben White was having none of it and when the ball was returned to Cherki, the Arsenal right-back smashed through him, picking up a yellow card but able to sport it like a badge of honour. The City manager, Pep Guardiola, shook his head – definitely at Cherki – and it is fair to say that White’s old‑school reaction played well with everyone at Arsenal.