Gabriel Jesus speaking to Arsenal team-mate Ben White. (Image: Arsenal)
Gabriel Jesus found humour in the clash between his Arsenal team-mate Ben White and Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto during their first USA pre-season tour match.
White, 26, is known as one of Arsenal’s most competitive players, always willing to get stuck in for the team. His assertive and sometimes contentious approach at corner kicks often leaves opposition goalkeepers irate.
Despite Wednesday’s match being a pre-season friendly, White didn’t hold back.
As witnessed in the Premier League last season, the ex-Brighton and Leeds player was trying to hinder Bournemouth’s Neto with a few nudges. Cherries left-back Milos Kerkez tried to obstruct White, but as the ball came in, the Arsenal defender made contact with Neto.
Luckily for Bournemouth, the Brazilian managed to punch the ball away and was awarded a foul. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in Los Angeles after Antoine Semenyo equalised Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira’s opener.
Neto and Ben White jumping for the ball as Arsenal took on Bournemouth. (Image: Getty.)
However, as it was a pre-season friendly, a penalty shootout ensued.
While both teams were waiting, Neto’s fellow countryman, Jesus, was seen jesting about the incident with White. All three players shared a laugh, diffusing any tension.
White and Jesus had the final say, as Arsenal’s goalkeeper Karl Hein saved two penalty kicks before Jakub Kiwior netted the winning goal. Mikel Arteta, the Gunners’ boss, was pleased with his team’s start to their pre-season tour, particularly praising the performances of the young players.
“I’m really pleased because we had really special circumstances today,” Arteta shared after the match. “We arrived two days ago, we had so many young kids playing with us that had never played before and I think we had a really strong performance against a side that is a bit ahead of us in their schedule.
“They [Bournemouth] had a full first-team available, so I’m really proud of them, both the young kids and the senior ones, because they have fulfilled their roles in a really impressive way.
“That was a different level today to the game that we played last Saturday [beating League One side Leyton Orient 2-0 behind-closed-doors], and it was another big step.
“We looked really connected and as a manager, it was just a joy to see the faces of those kids making their debut, participating, and the excitement showed, and as well to see our senior players put themselves in their shoes and give them the support and be the role models that we want.”
Manchester United are set to be the next team to face White’s tactics when they play against Arsenal on Saturday.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1928249/Arsenal-Ben-White-clash-Gabriel-Jesus-Neto