Arsenal made the perfect start to their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.
It was a strong display that saw them keep yet another clean sheet, their third in four games, showing how reliable Mikel Arteta’s side are at the back.
Jurrien Timber has hailed the strength of his side’s defence. Since arriving from Ajax, the defender has grown into a key figure under Arteta and was full of praise for the team’s display
Praise for the defence
Timber was quick to highlight the team’s work without the ball, pointing out that defending well has become a standard at Arsenal.
He said: “It’s not just the defence, also David [Raya] of course and the whole team. I think an amazing effort while we’re defending. I think the standards there are really high, which is amazing to see. It’s a privilege to be a part of.”
Eyes on Manchester City
The defender then turned his focus to what lies ahead, stressing that the team now need to recover and prepare for one of their biggest league games of the season.
The Dutch international said the team will now have to rest and recover as they prepare to welcome Manchester City to the Emirates.
He continued: “I think we’ve seen it last year, every point counts. To start here with three points is amazing. Now rest, recover, because we have a big game on Sunday again. Looking forward to it in our own stadium.”
Substitutes make the difference
Timber also spoke about the impact from the bench, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard combining to secure the win in Spain.
He added: “But they look happy and they did amazing. I think we have a deep squad, a great squad, so when players come on, they can make a difference like this, it’s going to really help us this season.
“The first Champions League win, which is very important, of course. It’s not easy coming here, as you could see. It was a tough one, but we got the three points. I have to say, big credit to Martinelli and Trossard, they did amazing.”
With momentum behind them, Arsenal now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash against Manchester City at the Emirates, a game that could be an early test of their title ambitions.