First Thoughts: Arsenal vs Brentford

Just how nervy was Arsenal's nervy 2-0 win?

Main Takeaway: Arsenal have a seemingly unending amount of depth, and thank goodness

I admit I was feeling a little down on Ben White lately, since he has mostly looked so-so in his starts this season and largely hasn’t gotten off the bench of late. But what a great reminder of just what White is capable of.

White was back to his best Wednesday against Brentford, surfacing among Arsenal’s leaders in progression, staying stout at the back and providing a gorgeously chipped cross to Mikel Merino’s crown for the opening goal.

His re-emergence comes at an ideal time, since Cristhian Mosquera pulled up limping after an awkward landing looked to have potentially jarred his knee or ankle. Jurrien Timber was forced into about 50 minutes of duty, likely 30 minutes more than Arsenal would have preferred.

And unfortunately, in a season where Arsenal remain five points clear at the top of the table after 13 games, such has been the repeated theme: Injury after injury. Thankfully, there is hope that William Saliba can return for the weekend trip to Villa Park while we await news on Mosquera. If all else fails, a back line of Calafiori-Hincapié-Timber-White would be on par with most in the league — there are just few reinforcements from there.

Positives

• Speaking of Hincapié, I thought he was excellent at the back in this one, a big step forward from Stamford Bridge. His front-footed defensive work netted him three interceptions, five clearances and three recoveries on the night, while he largely didn’t put a foot wrong otherwise. He continues to put in more impressive performances than disappointing ones as an emergency LCB.