Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Sporting CP was certainly Jurrien Timber’s best-ever performance as a Gunner.
With Ben White set to be out for the next few months rehabilitating from an injury that’s been holding him back for a while, Timber had to step up and fill in for the Englishman.
We’ve always known Timber is quality; the club didn’t agree to part ways with around £38 million for an average player.Unfortunately, after joining in the summer of 2023, he only managed to make a 51-minute PL debut before picking up an ACL injury that saw him only return to make a cameo appearance in Arsenal’s final game of the season: that 2-1 over Everton.
Of course, in the lead-up to this campaign, Timber was one player many were keen to see how he’ll bounce back from one of the toughest injuries.
So far this season, Timber has been gradually assimilated into the team while attempting to avoid load-bearing injuries.
But it is now that we’re seeing his true colours; he impressed versus Nottingham Forest and versus Sporting Lisbon, he took it a notch higher.The Dutchman’s unbelievable combo of versatility (he is comfortable anywhere on the pitch), intelligence, and great technical ability makes him an asset to this Arsenal team.
Versus Sporting, he was brilliant again. He created the most chances (3) of any Arsenal player and completed the most take-ons, not forgetting he assisted Gabriel Martinelli’s goal.
Summarily he posted the following stats:
1 Assist
84 touches
93% pass accuracy
2/2 dribbles completed
2 Interceptions
3 chances created (most)
100% accurate crosses
Timber turned up Tuesday night; his composure on the ball is just amazing, and we must start getting excited about how well he’s combining with Saka & Odegaard as a triangle on Arsenal’s right-hand side.
The ex-Ajax man, whether defensively, where he’s supposed to be or offensively, is able to adapt to the situation; his body automatically adjusts, and he seems to always make the right decision.
It is scary that he may not be 100%; he is yet to find his rhythm, having just returned from an ACL injury. In Timber, Arsenal have a complete footballer who’s only warming up, even if he seems consistent. It is scary what else we can expect from him, given he’s already producing dynamic performances in defence and is a constant threat in attack.
Marvelous we have Timber…rivals are going to cry… because Timber ball sense marches odegaard partey and saka in that right side he drifts to the midfield turns to his left with easy he got those triangle passes in him….what a new Efficient play we going to see hence forth I just pray no more major injuries if any just a match maybe midweek weekend you back
Top drawer 👏
I have always said on this Plartform Timber when fit is better suited for Right full back than White because of his center of gravity. White is naturally a Center back converted by Arteta to play full back and has done really well there. Timber is also quick to get back to defend, he is a very versatile player. We are lucky to have him. He seem to click well yesterday with Saka and Odegard.
I think Merino also click well on left side of attack with Matinelli than Rice but he loses the ball too often compared to Rice. He is an adequate sub for Rice.
I think he’s better than white at RB and better than calafiori at LB tbh. All good options to have.
In my opinion, Timber is better than White on the ground only, but not aerially. I believe it will only be a matter of time before an opposing team try to exploit his aerial weakness
Timber is surely better in tight spaces than Calafiori
Trossard’s goal against Sporting was initialized by Timber dribbling past two opponents. We’re lucky to have a such versatile defensive player
Timber will be good at every defensive position. I think right back is his strongest. He even knows how to cross the ball well.
Not only good, but CONSISTENT. Timber, Saliba, and Gabriel are remarkably consistent quality, that makes our defense reliable.
Let’s not forget White, who is fantastic himself, but he’s a better RB than CB; not physical enough or good enough in the air for CB.
I have said before we have 3 high quality fullbacks to rotate in 2 fullback positions. (Timber, White, Calafiori) and MLS is a good 4th choice with potential to get much better.
Our defense is the envy of many clubs, even the top top clubs in Europe.
Completely agree with this – just to add, while I think timber is an overall better player, white is also very consistent and has been brilliant for us these past couple of years.
You might disagree, but I do see tomiyasu as another extremely capable and reliable option when fit – the problem is obviously his injuries, which may mean we should look to move him on, but quality-wise, he’s excellent imo.
@Davi, I fully agree regarding Tomiyasu, a real quality player. Sad he is injured often and hoping he gets back to full fitness asap and remains consistently fit, a great player to have.
The pass couple of days have been massive for Arsenal for which am happy but hardly surprise.
There has been a lot of noise from armchair managers and pundit alike, whether Arsenal or in and out of the title race, but the demolition of the Portuguese champions no doubt will rewrite the narrative.
The Spaniard struggle on the road in Europe had been well documented, but last night his outfit was ruthless in attack and solid at the back
The rest of Europe will take note of this result, just as they did when the Portuguese disposed of the champion.
This is what the gaffer sold the board at his appointment, phase five is here believe it or not.
It’s always interesting to remember what’s said in one post and compare it to what’s being said in another.
I agree completely with the claim that it was a superb performance, maybe even the best under MA.
BUT ( I hear a collective sigh!!) one minute our opponents are described as a top European outfit, while in another, the manager who got them there, is being described as unproven (End sighs!!).
As for Timber, his transfer fee means diddly squat, his performance was sensational, as was the whole squad.
With Ben White fully fit, along with Tierney (great to see him on the bench) Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Califiori, Timber, Zinchenko and Kiwior, poor old Mikel Arteta will have one hell of a selection problem.
We might have to use that squad this weekend if it’s true that Gabriel is injured Ken. Possibly move Califiori inside and play Tierney at LB?
If that happens Jax, what a great comeback for Tierney that would be.
I would prefer him over Zinchenko, but MA might prefer Kiwior in the CB or LB position.
Interesting to see what he does, but let’s hope Gabriel is fit enough for both of the United games.
agreed Tierney starting on the weekend would be the comeback of the century
agreed though that Zinc ahead of Tierney, and Kiwior way ahead of Zinc
i do expect to Tierney in the league cup though, cynically perhaps only to boost sale value
Timber was brilliant, and it still amazes me that some fans think injuries don’t matter? That it’s just an excuse, and the manager should still be getting the same results and performances regardless.
As Arteta said the other day, he’s only had around 11/12 senior players available for most training sessions. We’re constantly having to start games with half fit players. Against Chelsea, exactly half our outfield players were not match fit, let alone the amount of times players are coming off within games with injuries.
Add to that a very tough fixture list as well, and it’s no surprise we’re lagging behind Liverpool.
It’s just very frustrating that some don’t think of the injuries when assessing our start to the season. It’s been the worst start to any season I think of in regards to injuries, and now White out for a few months as well.
Liverpool have had 5-6 first team players unavailable through injury yet they seem to be ploughing through without making excuses
Apart from Allison whos injured?
Googles your friend buddy
Lucy78
The injuries were an important factor but so were the red cards. 3 players missing a whole match and the remainder of the match they were dismissed from. The 3 were not insignificant players either. None of them exactly bench warmers and playing with 10 men can’t be considered advantageous.
Timber is a great player and has played really well this season thus far. He is fantastic both defensively and offensively and will certainly improve even more.