Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was influential in the Gunners’ Premier League win over West Ham.
After Timber starred against Sporting CP, the Dutchman was back to terrorise the opposition again in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta fielded the 2023 signing on the right side of defence against West Ham, a contest that the North Londoners won 5-2.
While Timber didn’t get on the scoresheet, the Netherlands international played an integral part in one of the goals his side scored.
- READ MORE: Bukayo Saka dazzles and criticised star gets 7.5/10 – Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham United
How Jurrien Timber helped Gabriel Magalhaes vs West Ham
For the second time in a week, Gabriel Magalhaes scored a header for the Gunners, proving his use in the box to give his side the lead in the London derby.
Just as the Brazilian did against Sporting CP, he was untraceable in the penalty area on hand to give Arsenal a boost from set play.
Speaking about the defender’s impact after the game, his teammate Timber revealed just how he helped the centre-back score against the Hammers.
“I can’t tell you that [what Gabriel said to Timber] but it felt a bit like an assist to be fair,” Timber said to Sky Sports when asked if he’d be instructed to nudge Lucas Paqueta.
“I helped him a bit with that but it was a good execution and not the first time I think this season or last season we scored a lot of nice goals from set-pieces and not only Gabi did it again but the whole team.”
The Dutchman was rather transparent with his explanation without having to confirm or deny his tactic, a method that he pulled off to allow his teammate to score.
Arteta was equally as secretive regarding the messages leading up to the goal, responding to the same question with, “You won’t understand, I’m sorry. I can’t, I’m sorry.”
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta reveals Gabriel Magalhaes injury update after fresh Arsenal problem vs West Ham
Gabriel can’t be stopped from scoring
It’s been quite the season for Gabriel, not only defensively but in the final third too.
Against the Hammers, the Brazilian netted his seventh Premier League goal since the start of last season, which makes for remarkable reading.
To put into perspective how strong Gabriel is in attacking areas, the centre-back has now scored the same number of goals from open play in the Premier League as Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes since the start of last term.
The defender will certainly celebrate his influence in the box for Arsenal, with Nicolas Jover being handed a real natural in the form of Gabriel.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
