Arsenal stumbled into the November international break but have emerged in top form with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest Saturday afternoon.
When the league resumed after the November international break, our only expectation for Jurrien Timber was that he demonstrate his true abilities. We expected him to fill in for Ben White, who we now know will be out for months.
In Arsenal’s win over Forest, Timber did a fantastic job out of 10; he not only ensured the team defensively, he also got forward so well and linked up constantly with Saka and Odegaard. The Evening Standard’s Simon Colling gave him a 7, describing his performance as tireless.
He said of Timber: “Had a goal ruled out early on after Mikel Merino was ruled offside in the build-up. A tireless performance and looks set for a good run in the team with Ben White out.”
Versus Forest, he recorded the following stats (as per Sofascore):
88 minutes played
66 touches
44/47 completed passes
2 key passes
2/3 ground duels
1/1 aerial duel
2 fouled
Jurrien Timber has either padlocked or neutralized every winger who’s faced him so far this season. Callum Hudson Odoi of Forest must be haunted by the “challenges” the Dutchman gave him on Saturday. He joins an elite list of impressive ballers who’ll live to tell what a tough opponent 1v1 the Arsenal fullback is.
Timber is already one of Arsenal’s most reliable players; it’s scary to think he is only going to get better as he continues to build on his momentum.
How impressed were you with Timber? Is the Arsenal right-back in capable hands?
https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-player-ratings-nottingham-forest-saka-odegaard-b1195834.html
He’s very skilled and versatile. Once White becomes fit, Timber had better play inverted LB again
His only weakness is just his aerial ability. Luckily, no team tried to exploit it yet
@ I think Timber is more skilled than White on the left. Remember how he notified Doku playing on the right. White usually finds it difficult against pacey and trickery wingers. But yesterday win was a lot more about coporate efforts by the team.
@Gai, # I mean more skilled than White on the right as a full back
Yes Timber might be more technical than White
Yes he’s got excellent skills and very versatile but he’s a centre back predominantly and very good in the air, not sure why you think he isn’t.
I saw him struggling in aerial battles against taller opponents sometimes
I still don’t understand how the term “replacement” is being used in this context. Timber will never replace White and equally, White will never replace Timber. The two are two different players with distinct attributes or qualities that can be used independently, depending on tactics or the opposition being faced. Overall, Timbers offers more to the game due to his versatility but White combines better with Saka and MO.
@Dino I agree with you absolutely 👌 White has a superb chemistry with Saka and even Odegard on the right side of the wing. Timber weakness is sometimes he lacks end product after running to bylines, but against pacey and trickery wingers he is better than White and on one vs one he can hardly be beaten.
With time, Timber will combine well with Saka
White is a good player but timber is far better and so talented good to watch with the ball more time will prove you right
I’m a big fan of White so I try to big him up over Timber But if I’m being honest it is hard to do as I have to admit Timber is very impressive
right
Fantastic performance by Timber and he will only get better as the season progresses. However, Arteta must manage his minutes wisely specially considering that White will be away for a while and Timnber’s contribution to the team will be vital.
Arteta bought Timber to replace White. Arteta knows White can play RB but he is a CB. White is versatile but not perfect. Both White and Timber can play different roles. Timber is the better RB.