Arsenal suffered defeat in the Champions League against Inter Milan on match day four.
The Gunners are having to wait to return to winning ways, carrying their Premier League form into the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta was furious after the defeat to Inter due to the manner in which the game was lost, a controversial first half penalty.
Hakan Calhanoglu converted from the spot after an incredibly harsh call against Mikel Merino, capping off a difficult evening for Arsenal.
Jurrien Timber impressed against Inter Milan
While a lot of talk will be on Arsenal’s form and the disappointing penalty call, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Arteta’s side.
There were some positives to take from the display, despite the Gunners’ lack of conviction in front of goal.
On a night where many underperformed, Jurrien Timber shone bright on the left side of defence, putting in a strong shift against his countryman Denzel Dumfries.
| Jurrien Timber’s game in numbers vs Inter Milan |
| 82 minutes played |
| 96% pass completion |
| 3 interceptions |
| 5 duels won |
| 100% completed dribbles |
| 2 fouls won |
| 7x possession lost |
Dumfries had the game of his life against Timber and the Arsenal man didn’t do too badly himself, as his numbers portrayed.
It was a controlled yet brave performance from the Netherlands international, who made more interceptions than any of his teammates at the San Siro.
Perhaps the most prominent element of his performance was his ability to remain composed in possession, completing all of his attempted dribbles and losing possession just seven times.
Timber’s rise leaves no room for Oleksandr Zinchenko at Arsenal
Losing the ball seven times might seem like a lot however, for a player of Timber’s profile and position, the 2023 arrival did remarkably well to keep the number so low.
To put into perspective how impressive Timber was at retaining the ball, when Oleksandr Zinchenko replaced the defender in the 82nd minute, he lost possession six times in eight minutes.
Timber’s bravery, strength, defensive confidence and composure are four things that Zinchenko lacks, with the Ukrainian’s time at Arsenal surely running out.
The £30m signing has lost his place to a player way beyond his calibre, which is an eye-opener for Arteta, considering Timber is still only 23-years-old.
The Dutchman’s display at the San Siro epitomised what he gives Arsenal on the left side of defence, leaving Zinchenko’s days numbered as his claim to the starting XI is all but over.
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