Ian Wright and Bukayo Saka both singled out one Arsenal star for praise after their victory in the North London Derby.
Many Arsenal stars impressed as Mikel Arteta’s side beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday.
Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz both caused problems in the final third, whilst Bukayo Saka notched up another assist. Whilst Gabriel Martinelli came in for criticism for this finishing, the Brazilian did work hard and contribute defensively.
Meanwhile, as veteran duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey started together in midfield for the first time, their experience and composure helped the Gunners to manage the fixture.
However, it was Arsenal’s defensive effort that truly made this triumph possible. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba were imperious at the back, with the former even grabbing the winning goal.
David Raya was impressive between the sticks, and Jurrien Timber caught the eye with his physical, committed, all-action performance.
Ian Wright and Bukayo Saka hail Arsenal ace Jurrien Timber
Having arrived at the Emirates Stadium in a £38 million switch from Ajax last summer, Timber’s first campaign in North London was decimated by an ACL injury.
He is clearly eager to make up for lost time this time around, and the Dutchman already looks to have settled into Arteta’s back four.
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Having now taken part in his first North London Derby, the 23-year-old defender took to Instagram to discuss the experience.
Timber said: “Painting North London 𝒓𝒆𝒅 for the first time.”
Saka responded to this statement, adding that Timber was: “Soo good.”
Meanwhile, iconic former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also replied, crediting Timber with being: “Unreal today.”
Jurrien Timber makes statement for Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
Timber will be desperate to play as often as possible this season. However, he faces a challenge in establishing himself as the Gunners’ first choice left-back.
As Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both currently sidelined, and Oleksandr Zinchenko picked up a late injury before the North London Derby, Timber was the obvious choice to start against Spurs.
When everyone is fit and available, though, there will be a great deal of competition for the left-back berth.
With his display on Sunday, though, Timber showed that he isn’t one to back down from a fight.