BURNLEY, England -- The expectation that comes with a £50 million transfer is that Ben White will improve Arsenal's defence by his mere presence, but in the 1-0 win at Burnley, that achievement was chiefly the preserve of his centre-back partner Gabriel.
Burnley made this a test typical of any trip to Turf Moor: combative, direct and awkward. It was a vote of confidence in White and Gabriel that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta opted for a back four with Thomas Partey a sole midfield pivot in a 4-3-3 shape.