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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Jurrien Timber provides 'easy' solution to biggest Arsenal weakness ahead of Champions League showdown

Jurrien Timber has praised the quality of Arsenal’s squad - despite the injury crisis - (ANP/AFP via Getty Images)

Jurrien Timber has challenged Arsenal to “change the narrative” around their struggling attack during Tuesday’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven.

The Gunners have struggled in front of goal in their past two games after suffering a string of injuries in the forward line.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz are all out, with Mikel Merino forced to fill in as a striker.

Arsenal have failed to score in their least two Premier League games - something they have not done since May 2023 - but Timber believes the Champions League offers the chance to turn the page.

The Gunners are taking on PSV on Tuesday night in the first leg of their last-16 tie, with the second leg at Emirates Stadium next week.

“I think the motivation is there and it’s an amazing league to play in,” said Timber.

“I think we showed as well in the group stages that we did really well and we have a good team. I think tomorrow is a beautiful game to change the narrative and to win.

“I have said it before already in another interview, I think we have so much quality in our group. Of course, we have a lot of injuries, especially upfront. We know that.

“But I think it is a beautiful challenge for us as a team to put our front players, or anyone, in the best position to score goals. Hopefully, we are going to show that tomorrow.”

I think we have so much quality in our group. Of course, we have a lot of injuries, especially upfront. We know that

Jurrien Timber

Asked how Arsenal “change the narrative”, Timber said: "By winning games, it’s as easy as that.

“We have to score tomorrow, we have to win games and I think in the Champions League you only have two games. So, you don’t get second chances and that will be the case tomorrow.

“I don’t think it as a negative, but we have been through a lot - especially in the last couple of weeks. But what I said is I think it is a challenge for us and we just have to take it.

“Tomorrow is beautiful game to show that and we will definitely show that tomorrow.”

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