Owen praises ‘underrated’ Arsenal star, hails important partnership in the league race

FOOTBALL Owen praises ‘underrated’ Arsenal star, hails important partnership in the league race

Kiplagat Sang • 12:00 - 20.03.2023

The retired footballer pointed out how the Gunners’ player links the play impressively.

Former England international Michael Owen has praised ‘underrated’ Arsenal’s Ben White after the Gunners' 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The North London side returned to winning ways with a convincing victory against their crosstown rivals after they were eliminated from the Europa League on Thursday by Sporting Lisbon.

Gabriel Martinelli - who missed a penalty against Sporting, Bukayo Saka, who earned a brace, and Granit Xhaka scored for the Gunners in the crucial win over the Eagles, who had sacked Patrick Vieira before the match.

Owen has praised White and Saka’s partnership and said the combination is very important as Arsenal vie to be Premier League champions for the first time since 2004.

"That partnership was particularly impressive," Owen told Premier League Productions, as quoted by Metro. "That combination play is very important for Arsenal.

"Ben White gets forward, he links the play and has the pace to get back when he needs to.

"There was a lovely moment towards the end of the game where he made a tackle and was celebrating. I feel he’s a bit of an underrated player for Arsenal at the moment."

Arsenal moved eight points clear of Manchester City, who were not in league action over the weekend. The Citizens were in the FA Cup engagement and defeated Burnley to progress to the semis of the domestic competition.

Arteta’s side has 10 matches left in the league, including clashes with Liverpool, City, Chelsea, and Newcastle, and will play Leeds United after the international break on April 1 at the Emirates Stadium.