ESPN pundit says £50m Arsenal player is having a really poor season after Fulham loss

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Janusz Michallik has criticised Ben White after Arsenal were beaten at Fulham on Sunday, noting that he has not been good for the Gunners this season.

Arsenal rounded off 2023 with a hugely disappointing performance at Craven Cottage, losing 2-1 to miss the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League table.

In truth, it is hard to take many positives from the game at all. Bukayo Saka gave them an early lead. But from there, Fulham became more and more impressive. And they managed to turn the game around.

Ben White criticised after Arsenal defeat

Ben White was one of those who had a really tough afternoon. It was remarkable how well White took to the right-back role last season. However, the 26-year-old is looking much more like a centre-back playing out of position in this campaign.

He was caught out on a number of occasions. And Mikel Arteta decided to take him off midway through the second-half as Arsenal pursued an equaliser.

Speaking on ESPN, Michallik suggested that White’s performance did not come as a huge surprise given his form over the course of the season.

“They’re predictable, they don’t keep the width. They’re going inside, which every team says, ‘thank you very much. Come inside. Because your full-backs aren’t doing anything’,” he said.

“Ben White, off season for sure, hasn’t been good. Replaced early again. Jakub Kiwior, I fear for him because he hasn’t played in his position yet.”

Defender one of several players looking nowhere near as impressive

White’s form is one of a number of issues Mikel Arteta needs to address in the near future. The £50 million star scored two goals and contributed five assists in the Premier League last season.

This term however, he has scored one goal and contributed one assist.

And it is a similar story across the pitch. Declan Rice has been an outstanding signing. But it is hard to think of anyone who has been better this season than they were last year.

White is definitely one of those who has seen his form drop off quite significantly.