Brentford v Arsenal lessons: Ben White alone won't solve Arteta's defensive woes

Nick Callow picks out three things we learned as Brentford beat Arsenal 2-0 on the opening night of the Premier League

A dejected Kieran Tierney after Arsenal’s opening night defeat against Brentford in the Premier League. Picture: Ian Walton/AP

Case for the defence

Ben White was not at fault for Arsenal’s below-par performance, but at £50m the pressure is on the England international to be more than an average defender. He could, of course, prove to be a snip at the fee Arsenal paid Brighton, but he will need a regular defensive partner and preferably one better than Pablo Mari. A better right back than Calum Chambers to his side might help too and his confidence will only get better if Mikel Arteta can get an upgrade on Bernd Leno in goal.