Arsenal extended their lead over Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace on Sunday – but despite Eberechi Eze’s goal, it was another star who should be taking the plaudits.
Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the game against his former side Crystal Palace as Arsenal went four points clear of second-placed Bournemouth.
When taking into account Liverpool and Manchester City’s usual ability to challenge Arsenal, they’re seven and six points clear respectively of the Premier League heavyweights, which will be music to Mikel Arteta’s ears.
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But despite Eze taking the headlines, it’s Arsenal’s success at the back which has paved the way for a potential title win and Jurrien Timber was central to that with another rock-solid outing.
Jurrien Timber reacts during Arsenal vs West Ham
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jurrien Timber was once again influential as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace.
Three Premier League games without conceding, winning seven of their nine games in the league and only dropping points against Liverpool and City – life is good for Arsenal.
With those games out of the way, Mikel Arteta has paved a real path of dominance both in the air from corners, and going forward. But their defensive record is certainly something to be admired, and Timber was instrumental in the win.
Whilst his defensive work will be lauded, the Dutchman was solid on the ball with his passing. According to Sofascore, his only cross was accurate, and each of his long passes and passes inside his own half hit his intended target.
Indeed, he only gave the ball away four times from 23 passes in the opposition half, limiting Palace’s time on the ball. Another successful dribble from 53 touches kept Arsenal on the front foot, but his defending was impeccable.
Winning an astonishing six of his nine duels on the floor, as well as one of his two aerial duels, he gave Palace little to work with, as well as two clearances and four recoveries.
Jurrien Timber celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Leeds
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Jurrien Timber has been a huge signing for Arsenal and he’s keeping Ben White out of the team
Arsenal have only conceded three in the league, equalling just one conceded every three games, and coming against sides who have been in European football, they must take confidence against teams in the bottom half to go ahead and win every game.
Timber was a £34million signing from Feyenoord and he has slotted well into their defence.
Keeping £50m star Ben White out of the starting XI, the Dutchman already has two goals and two assists this season, showing his defensive proficiency as well as an attacking presence.
Competition Arsenal clean sheets (games) Jurrien Timber minutes (possible minutes)
Premier League 6 (9) 613 (810)
Champions League 3 (3) 205 (270)
EFL Cup 1 (1) 0 (90)
It’s no surprise that Arsenal want to tie Timber down to a new contract for his performances.
Timber has also been touted as a ‘machine’ by Bukayo Saka, and his performances have highlighted how strong Arsenal’s recruitment has been over the past few years, as fans head home happy after another win in the league.