It is no secret that over the past few years, Arsenal’s biggest weapon has been their right flank.
Bukayo Saka has been the key reason for that, initially combining well with Ben White before, more recently, striking up a formidable partnership with Jurrien Timber.
The challenge has always been finding competition and cover for Saka, who has played more games for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta than any other player.
It is still early days, but there is now genuine hope that the Gunners have found a solution to that problem.
Resting Saka has been a rarity for Arteta, who three years ago declared that “the top players in the world, they play 70 matches”.
But the Arsenal boss opted to rest both Saka and Timber for the visit of Brentford - and he will feel vindicated in doing so.
Noni Madueke and White came into the team and the biggest compliment you could pay them is that Arsenal’s main weapon remained their right flank as they won 2-0 to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
It is where Arsenal focused their attacks right from the off, with Madueke and White combining exceptionally well given this was the first time they had started a game together.
Unsurprisingly, they were the source of Arsenal’s first goal. Madueke released White down the right with a lovely back-heel, and he then picked out Mikel Merino with a cross that was headed home.
White has previously had a good relationship with Saka, but he has found appearances hard to come by this season.
This was his first Premier League start since the opening day, with a knee issue taking its toll.
Timber’s fine form has also played a part in White’s lack of minutes, and more may be hard to come by.
They are also most likely to come when Arteta chooses to rotate, and so it is vital that White quickly connects with Madueke. This was a promising sign of what could be to come.
“He (Madueke) has come to the team and it’s no different than playing with Bukayo,” said White. “So it was nice to get out there and win and play.
“I’ve missed it. Obviously, I had quite a long time out. I had a few issues with my knee. So it was nice to get it done tonight.”
Arsenal’s second goal came down the right, too. Saka came off the bench to find the net and seal a win that takes the Gunners five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal have a quick turnaround to Aston Villa on Saturday, and so Arteta will be pleased he was able to limit Saka to just half an hour of action.
More pleasing, though, will be the way Madueke and White performed before Saka was introduced.
Arsenal’s biggest weapon has just got stronger, because now they have genuine competition and depth on the right flank.
It is surely something other sides will sit up and take note of. In the past, stopping Saka meant stopping Arsenal.
But now opponents face the prospect of Arteta being able to completely change his right flank without a huge drop-off in ability.
Brentford would have breathed a sigh of relief when Madueke went off last night, given he had terrorised them, only to see Saka come on.
Most sides would love to have Madueke and White as their right-hand side, who - it should not be forgotten - cost a combined £100million. For Arsenal, that is them rotating the team.
White getting back to his best would be especially beneficial for Arteta, who has had to heavily rely on Timber this season.
It is easy to forget how pivotal White has been to previous Arsenal sides that have fought for the title, and he can undoubtedly still have a role to play.
“He’s a player who has always played for us, and sadly, because of the right reasons, he wasn’t playing that much because Jurrien was excellent, and he was out for a while, and then he needed to earn his place,” said Arteta.
“But his attitude has been so positive, so good. Then when you are ready and you’re given the opportunity, you take it like he did today.
“So I’m very happy that we have him back in the best version of himself as well, and we’re going to need him because he’s a tremendous player.”
