Arsenal fans have identified a surprising underperformer in their dominant 5-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite the resounding victory, many supporters criticized Jurrien Timber’s performance, noting that the defender struggled to match the high standards set by his teammates.
The Dutch international, who joined Arsenal in the summer and has already impressed in earlier matches, appeared out of sorts during the game. Crystal Palace’s energetic attack exposed gaps in Timber’s positioning, and his usually reliable passing let him down, leading to several dangerous turnovers.
Timber’s Performance in Detail
Playing in defense, Timber often seemed off the pace and was caught out of position on multiple occasions. His hesitancy in duels and failure to track Palace’s forwards added pressure on Arsenal’s backline. A particularly tense moment came in the 12th minute when he misjudged a long ball, nearly gifting Palace an early opportunity.
Fans’ Reactions
Although Arsenal’s commanding win overshadowed Timber’s struggles, fans took to social media to voice their concerns:
One fan wrote: “Timber had a rough game today. Thankfully, the rest of the team carried us.”
Another commented: “Timber was shaky throughout. If we weren’t so clinical in front of goal, his mistakes could have been costly.”
However, some supporters showed understanding, attributing his performance to the ongoing adjustment to the Premier League and expressing confidence in his potential.
Arteta’s Perspective
When asked about Timber’s display, Mikel Arteta chose not to single out individuals, focusing instead on the team’s overall performance.
“It was a great team effort, but there are always areas to improve,” Arteta said post-match. “Jurrien is a talented player, and I have no doubt he’ll learn and grow from every experience.”
Moving Forward
Timber has earned praise for his adaptability and composure since joining Arsenal, but like any player, he is prone to occasional off-days. With the Premier League’s intensity posing a steep learning curve, matches like these provide valuable lessons for the young defender.
Despite his struggles, Arsenal’s resounding win, powered by goals from Ødegaard, Jesus, Trossard, and Martinelli, ensures Timber’s performance won’t overshadow the team’s momentum. As the season progresses, he will have ample chances to bounce back and demonstrate his quality.
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