Ben White: Arsenal's perfect 4-game start fuels Premier League title defence
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Arsenal defender Ben White has said the club's flawless start to the 2026-27 Premier League season — four wins from four matches — has injected significant confidence into the squad and reinforced belief that the reigning champions can successfully defend their title. White made the remarks in an interview with Jio Hotstar.
Perfect Start on Two Fronts
Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table after winning all four of their opening fixtures, highlighted by a statement 2-1 victory over Chelsea. The Gunners have simultaneously made a winning entry into the UEFA Champions League, defeating Napoli 1-0 away from home through a goal by Martin Odegaard. White, who has started all four league matches and registered an assist, described the early results as a major confidence boost for the group.
'Winning the first four games of the season, including the win over Chelsea, has given us a lot of confidence. The mood in the dressing room is high, and everyone is pushing each other,' White said.
White Reflects on Last Season's Title Journey
The English defender credited the title triumph to years of sustained collective effort rather than a single breakthrough campaign. 'It was an amazing season last season, and I feel so lucky to have been part of it. All the hard work we put in over the last five years finally paid off. There were tough times along the way, moments when things did not go our way, but we kept believing in each other and kept pushing,' White said.
'That is what makes this success so special. It is not just about one season. It is about the journey we have been on together as a group. Now we want to build on this and keep winning,' he added. The sentiment underlines a shift in Arsenal's identity — from perennial nearly-men to serial contenders under manager Mikel Arteta.
Arteta's Role and the Emirates Atmosphere
White was effusive in his praise for Arteta's work in transforming the club's environment, singling out the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium as a tangible competitive advantage. 'The boss has done so much to create the electric atmosphere at our home ground, and he has absolutely nailed it because now it is one of the best in the league. The fans have bought into what he is building,' White said.
'On matchdays, the Emirates Stadium is loud and behind us from the first whistle. That energy drives us on the pitch. It is a huge advantage for us, and a lot of credit goes to the manager for making it happen,' he added. This comes amid a broader transformation of Arsenal's home ground from a stadium sometimes criticised for its muted atmosphere into one of English football's more intimidating venues.
Squad Depth and the Drive to Stay Ready
White also highlighted internal competition as a key driver of the squad's collective standards. 'You want to play every game. You want to be on the pitch as much as possible. But this squad has so much quality that you have to accept the manager's decisions. It's about being ready whenever your chance comes and supporting your teammates when you're not playing. We all push each other in training, and that makes the whole group stronger,' he said.
Notably, Arsenal's depth across positions has been one of Arteta's most cited advantages this season, with competition for places keeping standards elevated across training and matchday squads.
A Word for the Fans
White also acknowledged the crucial role supporters play during difficult spells in a match. 'When your legs are tired and the game is tight, hearing the fans push you on makes a huge difference. They travel everywhere with us and support us through thick and thin. That connection means a lot to the players. We want to repay them with performances and trophies. They are a big part of what we do,' White said.
With a maximum haul from domestic fixtures and a winning opening in Europe, Arsenal head into the coming weeks as strong early-season title contenders — though White himself cautioned that a long campaign demands focus over complacency: 'We can't get carried away. There will be tough moments ahead, and we must be ready for them.'