Micah Richards claims one Arsenal player has got worse, and will cost Mikel Arteta vs Man City

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Arsenal face Manchester City this weekend in a game of massive importance that could genuinely be decided by one mistake.

Indeed, these are the types of games where one poor performance can lead to everything unravelling, and Arsenal need everyone to bring their A-game at the Etihad.

However, speaking on The Rest is Football ahead of the game, Micah Richards has pointed to a potential weak spot ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City.

Ben White has been one of Arsenal’s most reliable players under Mikel Arteta over the years, but Richards believes his recent level has dipped at the worst possible time. With the title race on the line, even a small drop in performance can be exposed against a side like City.

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Micah Richards claims Ben White could be exploited

Richards spoke about Arsenal’s full-backs and White in particular ahead of this game.

The pundit thinks White has been off his game lately, and to be honest, he’s right.

White has been poor as of late, and Richards reckons City will target that weakness and pen Arsenal back.

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“I think losing Timber, if he’s not back and not fully fit Timber, if you look at Ben White, who’s normally very dependable for Arsenal in previous seasons, I’ve watched him a couple of times a season of late and he’s not been the same.”

“I’m thinking with Doku and Semenyo, the way Manchester City are setting up now, I don’t think Arsenal will be allowed to get out. They’re going to push them all the way back. And you always look at key battles in games, don’t you?”

That tactical setup means Arsenal’s full-backs will spend long periods defending deep in their own half. White, who is used to stepping into midfield and helping build play, may not have that freedom. Instead, he could be forced into repeated one-on-one situations against quick and direct attackers.

That is where Richards’ point carries weight.

Players like Jeremy Doku thrive in those scenarios, isolating defenders and forcing mistakes through constant pressure. If White is even slightly below his usual standard, City will look to exploit that space again and again.

Arsenal’s defensive strength this season has come from control and consistency, but both could be tested heavily at the Etihad. A disrupted back line combined with City’s attacking intensity creates a situation where individual performances become decisive.

On his day, White is good enough to deal with City, but whether or not he can find that form ahead of Sunday remains to be seen.

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