Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has admitted that he agrees with one Manchester City player’s recent claims.
It’s been several weeks of drama for Mikel Arteta’s squad, who have faced fierce challenges on the road.
Arsenal were away from the Emirates for almost a month, facing Tottenham, Atalanta and Manchester City away from home.
Each fixture brought its own dramatic storyline, as the Gunners sealed a win and two draws from the trio of hurdles.
Jurrien Timber agrees with Man City star Rodri on Premier League verdict
Undoubtedly the match that generated the most headlines was Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad against Man City.
After the fixture, there was an uproar about how the Gunners approached the second half, with plenty of City players sharing their thoughts on Arteta’s game plan.
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City’s frustrations didn’t bother the Arsenal squad, however, one thing that midfielder Rodri recently said prompted Jurrien Timber to agree.
Prior to the draw, the Spaniard admitted that players were close to striking amid the ridiculous schedules squads are facing, with his concerns proving to be valid as he soon after suffered a season-ending injury.
Ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with PSG, Timber faced the media in a press conference, where he was asked to share his verdict on Rodri’s comments.
“I totally agree with his point of view,” Timber said.
“It’s a big topic at the moment in dressing rooms, not only at Manchester City and Liverpool but also our dressing room.”
It’s interesting to learn that the Arsenal squad shares a similar view to that of Rodri and others who have broadcasted an opinion on the topic, with it understandably a real concern amongst players.
Arsenal’s schedule reinforces Timber’s concerns
If there’s one player who will be cautious of his fitness this season, it’s Timber, who was robbed of his first year at Arsenal due to an ACL injury.
When revising Arsenal’s schedule in September heading into October, it’s clear to see why players are unsettled at the frequency of fixtures, with many not allowing for huge rotation.
For example, in the space of a week, Arteta’s squad faced away trips to Spurs, Atalanta and Man City, three crucial games that the first team were required in.
Just three days after the City draw, the Gunners were in action again in the EFL Cup, and then again another three days later in the Premier League to face Leicester City.
While the demands are expected when clubs attempt to balance European football and the top flight, leaving a matter of days between fixtures frequently is concerning for the players.
The Premier League must protect the talents that give the world so much entertainment, with it now clear that Arsenal are prepared to make their worries known following Rodri’s admission.
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