Mikel Arteta told his defenders to foul an opposition player in a recent Premier League fixture, Ben White has revealed.
Forgetting a shock Champions League defeat to Porto, the Gunners have been in fine form in the Premier League - winning their last six and firing in goals left, right and centre.
The last outing was a 4-1 hammering of Newcastle at the Emirates, with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Jakub Kiwior all on target.
Advert
And White has provided insight into the directive of Arteta going into the game, including how to deal with one player.
The Arsenal boss identified Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon as a dangerman with his pace and dribbling ability.
White was directly up against him at right-back and told to get tight to him whenever he could.
Advert
But he was also given the green light to thwart the former Everton man by fouling him.
“Before the game we have instructions of how they are going to do well and what processes they have to be able to hurt us," he said in a new interview with The Sun.
'Anthony Gordon was one of them. My job was to stop him rolling inside so I had to get as tight as possible, otherwise foul him. He’s going inside if not.
“Every game, normally the winger is the best player, so it’s always a challenge and I have to do my homework and try to stop him.
Advert
“I know I’m not going to stop everyone and I know I’m not the best one-v-one defender but I know I can do things to help the team in game situations against their winger.”
With no game in midweek due to being out of the FA Cup, Arsenal are back in action on Monday night when they travel to bottom side Sheffield United.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Newcastle United