BEN WHITE celebrated Arsenal’s winning goal against Tottenham in James Maddison’s face, new footage has shown.
A video of Gabriel’s second half header from behind the goal shows the reaction of the players inside the Spurs penalty area.
White can be seen turning to face Maddison as he clenches his fists and cheers in celebration.
He then joins his team-mates, who had already wheeled away towards the travelling Gunners fans.
Arsenal supporters lapped up White’s “shameless act” after spotting his reaction to the goal on social media.
Commenting on the video, one fan wrote: “Ben White celebrating in Maddison’s face. Love it.”
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Another added: “We love his shameless acts.”
A third supporter also commented: “It’s a derby ffs, this is exactly what should be happening.”
Meanwhile, one more said: “None of this cuddling and hugging opposition managers and players nonsense. As a fan in a derby we want players to give everything and be as passionate as us.”
White has emerged as a fan favourite amongst Arsenal supporters in recent months due to his antics.
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He has also angered rival fans, though, notably for his play-acting in a win over Brighton in April.
The 26-year-old was also spotted trying to undo Guglielmo Vicario’s gloves at a corner during the previous North London derby last term.
Arsenal ratings vs Spurs as Gabriel is the hero in feisty North London derby
GABRIEL headed in the only goal of the game as a depleted Arsenal snatched all three points in the North London Derby.
Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the Gunners players…
DAVID RAYA – 8/10
Commanded his area well, and was a safe pair of hands throughout the game. Another great showing in what has been a spectacular start for the Spanish stopper.
JURRIEN TIMBER – 7
Did well from an attacking perspective, charging down the left hand side on various occasions. Solid defensively too against Spurs’ flying right side of Johnson and Porro.
Some would argue he should’ve been sent off for a challenge on Pedro Porro in the first half, but he escaped despite squaring up to Vicario in the aftermath.
WILLIAM SALIBA – 8
A really good recovery challenge in the first half to deny Dominic Solanke, despite being booked early on.
You can always count on Saliba to put in a solid display, and he didn’t disappoint today with fantastic passing out from the back too.
GABRIEL – 9
A fantastic defensive showing throughout, reinforced with a towering header inside the box to give his side the lead from a set piece (shock).
Has formed an impeccable partnership with Saliba, personified by their heartwarming celebration together after the opener. He’s the man.
BEN WHITE – 6
Gave away the ball in a dangerous position in the first half, with Solanke failing to capitalise and had a tough first half against the quick feet of Heung Min-Son.
Was not able to demonstrate the dangerous right-hand side overlap we saw work so effectively last season, but wasn’t threatened in the second 45.
JORGINHO – 4
Struggled to replace the suspended Declan Rice for this North London derby, whom the Gunners really missed.
A tough task, but didn’t come close to matching Rice’s intensity or ability to drive the ball up the pitch which left Arsenal weak in the forward areas.
THOMAS PARTEY – 5
Struggled in transition with Jorginho alongside him, another player who felt the full force of no Rice and Odegaard.
Not fast enough with or without the ball, and will need to perk his ideas up for City next week.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 6
Looked like a bright spark with his running and forward movement, but was let down by his end product or lack thereof.
Worked really really hard throughout, just looks short of confidence in the last actions.
LEANDRO TROSSARD – 6
Dropping deeper into more of a midfield role than he’s used to today, it should be noted that he did a job for the team when they needed him.
Not the flying efficiency machine we have seen him be from the bench, but his versatility will be needed this season it seems.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Didn’t make the kind of impact on the game we are used to seeing from the brilliant Bukayo Saka, and looked less of a threat without Martin Odegaard to combine with.
Did some really good defensive work nonetheless, and delivered the perfect corner to claim the assist for Gabriel’s opener.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6
A good header in the first half was saved well by Vicario in the spurs net – actually made more clearances (3) than he managed shots on target (2) in the first 45.
Was a handful for the Spurs defence, but largely nullified by the pace and power of Mickey Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
However, he remained out in the cold for England’s Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland earlier this month.
White previously removed himself from consideration for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate and has not been involved since leaving the 2022 World Cup camp early.
For the Gunners, though, he has played every minute of their opening four Premier League matches this season.
Sunday’s win leaves Mikel Arteta’s side second in the table and unbeaten ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester City.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
