But for Tomiyasu to get into the team, White may be the player to fall by the wayside. White hasn’t started the season as well as he did last and perhaps would have already lost his place if Jurrien Timber hadn’t suffered a cruel knee injury on the opening day.
White isn’t playing poorly by any means but neither was Ramsdale. But Tomiyasu’s performance against Brentford was a reminder of his qualities.
At the time of writing, the 24-year-old was overwhelmingly winning the player-of-the-match vote on the Arsenal website with over 56 per cent. He started the game in the middle of defence, a position he also shone in for Japan against Germany recently.
He showed his versatility by switching to right-back when White was substituted before moving into a back three as Arsenal saw out a narrow win in west London. Arsenal are struggling defensively at home in the Premier League, conceding in every match so far at the Emirates, and White has often been caught out on the right-hand side.
William Saliba and Zinchenko are unlikely to lose their places, while Gabriel has impressed since coming back into the team. White therefore could be the unfortunate party if Arteta thinks Tomiyasu can make the necessary difference.
