This is ARSENAL’S FAULT!

As soon as Gareth Southgate announced that Arsenal had informed him that Ben White does not want to be considered for England Selection the inevitable media storm ensued, with wild speculation as to why the talented defender has turned his back on his country.
It’s the biggest story in town and has created a situation that Arsenal, who are chasing big honours and looking good for a big trophy this season, didn’t need.
And you know what? It’s all their fault!!!

[@wilskiylegrand3988]

He lost me when he blamed Arsenal for an incident that happened between Southgate and Ben White and it wasn't a representative of the Club, it was his agent! Who doesn't work for Arsenal

[@Premier-League-Purist]

Thanks for the comment! I kind of stuttered my way through this part of the video, so just to clear it up - Southgate said in his presser that Edu, Arsenal sporting director, phoned John McDermott, England Technical Director, to inform him that Ben White didn't want to be considered for England Selection. I feel this is a mistake on Edu's part, I think he should have spun some PR to take the heat off Ben White. Happy for you to disagree, all opinions are welcome here! Appreciate you checking out the video 👍

[@psaladin1]

They weren’t expecting Southgate to publicly throw him under the bus and are likely honoring Ben White’s wish not to get into the specifics. They released a video the day Southgate had his presser of all his Arsenal teammates sharing their feelings about Ben to celebrate his new contract. I feel like that was their statement. With what’s already happened, your suggestion would lead to Arsenal getting blamed and wouldn’t fool anyone. What about next time if Southgate is still in charge? Ben wanted it out there he’s never playing for Southgate and is prepared to deal with the consequences. He probably wants people to know he doesn’t like Southgate or his staff, in fact. And knowing his personality, I can almost guarantee he doesn’t care about this fallout. Only Arsenal fans do.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

@@psaladin1 Yeah I mean if that's the case that Ben White doesn't really care about the fallout in the media then fair enough! My opinion was based on the fact that they are about to get into the business end of the season where they have a real chance of winning 1, maybe 2, massive trophies and I thought maybe they could have spun some PR in this instance when considering the bigger picture. Great comment though, thanks for posting!

[@psaladin1]

@@Premier-League-Purist I think the Ben White hate will galvanize the team now, honestly. The haters went too hard and it’s backfiring. We will find out soon enough!

[@AndyLowe-net]

You said it 'nobody knows the truth' so why do you want to make a video about it? You don't know anything about the reasons behind this

[@Premier-League-Purist]

Thanks for the comment - It was just my take on it really, no worries if you disagree 👍

[@ericsandrade]

As an Arsenal fan, I couldn’t care less if he doesn’t want to play for England. Less risk of him injuring himself.

[@marzipanmonkey]

Spot on.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

Fair point, I know a lot of people who put their club loyalties before their loyalty to the national team - Thanks for checking out the video!

[@joegooner3563]

Jude Bellingham rejected being a part of the squad whilst at Dortmund, two years ago, nobody hates him for it?

[@Premier-League-Purist]

I wasn't aware of this and can't find anything online about it apart from having to pull out with injury - Did he pull out for other reasons? Thanks for watching the video btw 👍

[@51gan788]

Yeah but reasons were given. It was because of game congestion at the time

[@joegooner3563]

@@51gan788 yes to concentrate on their title run in, and they were qualifiers, these are friendlies, and we got told not to boo Maguire Not said don't bully Ben has he, doesn't take a genius to spot what's going on

[@51gan788]

@@joegooner3563 none of these are bad excuses though, the problem is that Ben/Arsenal haven't given any excuse at all - and so it's made things really awkward for all involved. It's just kinda unprofessional

[@joegooner3563]

@@51gan788 so it's Ben's fault he left the world cup for personal reasons, meaning mind your own fooking business, Not England's, not southgaes, and nobody else's, despite Gareth's staunch retaliation to anyone booing Maguire? Continue supporting Southgate all you want, just know harry is in the squad right now and everyone hates Ben white 🤡🤡🤡

[@ingeneus4139]

why should arsenal have to lie? If Ben white doesn’t want to go that’s up to him and people need to get over it. England fans feelings hurt cause he doesn’t want to go? Get over it

[@Premier-League-Purist]

I tend to agree with you mate, it doesn't bother me personally (although I'd like him in the squad as he's a top player) but I just think Arsenal have a been a bit naive by being completely honest rather than spinning some PR to make it a non-story. if you disagree fine by me - Everyone's opinions are valid!

[@topdawgtv6656]

​@@Premier-League-PuristIt's not Arsenal that made it public though

[@totsh2056]

​@@Premier-League-Purist It's a good point you make. It's just that Ben doesn't seem like the kind of person who would want to lie about his reasons. I also recall Arsenal pulling a similar move with G. Jesus to protect him, but Brazil insisted that their own medical team assess him. So this could easily backfire and make the situation even worse than it already is.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

@@topdawgtv6656 You're spot on, but my point is that Arsenal are the first link in the chain. If they reported him as injured, or told the England team that he had a personal matter to deal with etc then Southgate wouldn't be in a position to make a song and dance about it in the first place. Thanks for your comment though, hope to see more of your opinions on my future videos! 👍

[@onywere]

Why don't you blame Steve Holland for Ben White situation with Southgate or Southgate for failing to manage his backroom staff properly

[@Premier-League-Purist]

You make a good point - Southgate and his team are not blameless for sure!

[@marzipanmonkey]

Sorry, but it's utter nonsense to even try and pin this on Arsenal. It's Ben White's own decision to not accept a call-up and he is completely free to decide what he wants to do personally. It's also really not going to suddenly derail Arsenal's season. The guy is one of the most in-form defenders in the league right now playing for a club he's very happy at and clearly passionate to keep a title charge going. The funny thing about him is he seems like the exact kind of guy who doesn't give a crap about controversy or drama. He just gets on with it.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

I agree with most of your comment tbf! I just think Arsenal should have handled the PR better. No worries if you disagree, your opinion is just as valid as mine!

[@marzipanmonkey]

​@@Premier-League-Purist In fairness I went in stronger than I should and saying it's "nonsense" was a bit far. I guess I'm just fed up of ex-footballers/pundits going in hard on White like he's turned down military service and should be shamed in the streets. I do think you're right that there is an argument that they could still have handled it differently from a PR standpoint and right now Arsenal are in a very tense title race so you do want to keep some harmony and not get any bad press even if it's not your doing. Thanks for the respectful reply - is very refreshing to see in KZbin comment sections. :)

[@Premier-League-Purist]

@@marzipanmonkey Yep, totally agree with this comment, not sure why Ben White is being made out as some super villain. Appreciate your comments on this, hope to see more of your opinions on my future content 👍

[@arniarnason4393]

The English national team doctor will check them we don’t liv in 1990 any more

[@nmadhusudan]

None of you have an iota of idea of what happened from Ben White's side....every coach says he is a dream to work with....maybe instead of ranting all this crap...maybe someone can be a little more pragmatic and think there is something more than to this!

[@okellemma9561]

Truth be told. All this saga we don't really know the truth about it. It all began with Ben White falling out with Southgate's assistants. Why not blame them too. Even if Ben had accepted the call up,he wouldn't play anyway,so it's a win win situation for both.

[@burden_of_knowing]

you would prefer Arsenal to lie to the FA and to the entire nation? that's not an option. it is what it is; and Southgate not being able to tell exactly why Ben has chosen to be excluded is just irresponsible management. Southgate should get behind the matter and explain it to the public. Arsenal is not obliged to lie just to cover up for Southgate's bad management.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

Yeah you make a good point, Southgate has not handled this at all well. Although I would say, all clubs spin and bend the truth in all sorts of ways, PR is a huge part of any public facing industry so I do stick by my opinion. However, it doesn't make me right and you wrong, all opinions are welcome here! Thanks for posting your comment! 👍

[@Thanasimos13]

I don't see the point on making up an excuse each time. If he did this then eventually he would have to come out and say the truth. I don't understand also why people are angry seeing as they put Ben White as probably their 4th choice behind, Walker, Trent, Trippier.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

No tbh you do make a good point, it would all come out sooner or later, my opinion was just based on the context of Arsenal being right in the mix for big trophies this season and maybe wanting to avoid un-necessary distractions. Thanks for watching the video!

[@okellemma9561]

​@@Premier-League-Puristso it's safe to say Arsenal is your problem not Ben White. It's like y'all can't stand the taste of Arsenal challenging for the title ahead of your favored teams.

[@51gan788]

Completely with you on this

[@jasonstrange7615]

If this was Foden or Trent there wouldn't be any shit. It's because it is an Arsenal player. All the anti arsenal pundits (I use that term losely) are going in on him because they hate arsenal. Its simple

[@arniarnason4393]

Why come up with a lies like other teams! Why not come out and say I don’t want to play like Stoke Southgate is a joke as a manager

[@simonjames772]

as an Arsenal fan i love that bloke and all my mates feel the same x

[@Footballlegend-zl2fk]

I’m with you on this one bro

[@muhdazlan3807]

Why England still need Ben White, they have many other options that suit their playstyle. Btw, they already have many right back

[@SimeonSebit]

Facts are facts the truth is always good Ben spoke his mind why should Arsenal pretend, that is want for himself he is matured to make his own decision

[@arniarnason4393]

Tell us another joke

[@115ffpandthephantomtreble]

Who wants to play for woke af Southgate 😂😂

[@victorthomascooksey7400]

Stop trying to make news out of nothing. Why do you care if Ben white doesn’t want to play for England.

[@athaneblack3180]

England don't appreciate him so why go to sit on the bench and watch stupid Kyle walker? Kmft everyone has their own freedom of choice and he's not getting the respect he deserves from them so he chooses not to be second best

[@najeebhashi7052]

I think you know what you are talking about, but unfortunately, if you would have read the facial expression of the coach, you would have easily see that he's very economical with the truth.

[@kareemnewwave]

I don’t think you really thought about this before making this video saying it’s arsenal’s fault nothing you said made sense

[@Premier-League-Purist]

I disagree, but if that's your opinion then I respect it. Thanks for watching the video!

[@raggo1886]

Find the facts first before you judge

[@louisstrydom6654]

Thia guy's never heard of Root cause...

[@markwatson5166]

You're a walley talking nonsense yes you got it spot on at the start

[@lisakatherinesmith1179]

You are talking rubbish how did you know what Ben white said when you are not there….shit talk

[@joshuaelliot1756]

Everybody just wanna talk without even knowing what to say. You’re just making noise br

[@Torrentz21]

fans hate Ben White, the ones who aren't Arsenal. do you hear yourself?

[@enomfonsammy5646]

Arsenal and their fans will bring about the end of the world and football as we know it lol, so many rattled fanbases, my team is fxckn back😂🔥

[@MickSkitz]

Why should how the media interpret things matter at all about how its communicated? People criticised Arteta early about his player management (Auba). The media are just drama merchants. The idea that this doesn't fall at Southgates feet who is obviously being dishonest about what he knows about it seems crazy to me. It's easy to pass judgement on the person who isn't shouting out their defence.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

Oh yeah Southgate isn't blameless in this, in fact it's him who's thrown Ben White under the bus really. But Arsenal could have just fed him a story and the whole situation could have been avoided. Just my opinion! Thanks for commenting!

[@800Viffer]

If you think Southgate isn't blameless why doesn't your click bait title reflect that?

[@simmienyathi3746]

​@@Premier-League-Puristn Southgate could hve kept it iut if the media.... Arsenal were obviously gonna make a story..if they knew Southgate was gonna cry abt it to the media

[@Premier-League-Purist]

@@800Viffer Just because Arsenal are the first link in the chain, and if they tell him that Ben White is injured, or is dealing with a personal matter or whatever, then Southgate doesn't have anything to say without sounding like he has a personal vendetta, so it could have been win/win for Arsenal. And I'm sorry you thought my title was click-bait, that wasn't my intention. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@Premier-League-Purist]

@@simmienyathi3746 Yep, totally agree. Southgate has handled this very badly. Thanks for watching the video!

[@CE77777]

Tbh we wouldn’t even be lying if we said this, he’s literally been playing on an injury since like mid December 🤷🏾‍♂️ Edit: This is all part of the plan though, Ben loves Arsenal over England & would choose us over them in a heartbeat, an alot of our players would be willing to do the same, they know what’s at stake this season & want to put the majority of their efforts into what we’re striving for

[@bredaluxford8386]

You are talking a load of waffle.

[@BillySnowball]

You've had a bit of a nightmare hear haven’t you

[@Premier-League-Purist]

🤣Hahaha yh it seems my opinion hasn't gone down too well, but I'm all about football debate and discussion so it's all good. Thanks for watching!

[@BillySnowball]

@@Premier-League-Purist fair play, best of luck with the channel

[@Premier-League-Purist]

@@BillySnowball Thanks mate, much appreciated 👍

[@SalmanKhan-il6ck]

U wally,no infact ure a big big wally…This guy here is promoting lies.He wants arsenal to lie..lol

[@Premier-League-Purist]

I did invite people to call me a wally if they disagreed, so all I can say is thanks for the comment!! 🤣

[@ShaukatAli-g1e]

Load of rubbish

[@sk1tzoCS]

Donut.

[@Pandarino99]

🧇🧇🧇

[@Premier-League-Purist]

🤣👍

[@BlackEdgedKatana]

almost subscribed. almost.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

🤣 I was so close!! Hopefully you'll subscribe in the future - Thanks for watching!

[@SaxonsGlory]

🔔🔚

[@Premier-League-Purist]

🤣

[@Ian_Mwangi09]

Get a life

[@petermcclenaghan5199]

Zzzzzz😂

[@fsharp_com]

You are making a lot of claims, but you cite no sources. Is this fact or opinion? If fact, please publish a list of sources. If not, then best I can say is that there is more in this world that you and I don't know, than actually know.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

Thanks for the comment - Just my opinion really, but based on what Southgate said in his Squad Announcement press conference. You make a good point though, I'll try to be more clear on where my info comes from in future videos. Thanks for watching 👍

[@zombie-xj7gc]

So Arsenal should become liars, got it fool

[@victorthomascooksey7400]

Stop trying to make news out of nothing. Why do you care if Ben white doesn’t want to play for England.

[@Premier-League-Purist]

I just think he's an exceptional player and would improve the England squad. Thanks for the comment!