Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has only experienced two North London Derbies, but he already wants one thing to change.
Thierry Henry went undefeated against Tottenham during his time at Arsenal, which is something Timber will hope to copy.
The Dutchman has a 100% win rate in the North London Derby, playing a part in the Gunners’ double over their rivals in the 2024/25 campaign.
Due to Timber’s ACL injury early into his debut season in N5, the defender had to watch from the sidelines when Arsenal faced Spurs in 2023/24, but it’s fair to say his wait has been worthwhile.
Though Mikel Arteta’s 2023 signing has only played a part in two derby fixtures, he’s desperate to see one thing change.
Jurrien Timber hopes for North London Derby change
When the Lilywhites line up against the Gunners, viewers of the Premier League are set for a thriller.
Timber responded to the energy of the North London Derby with a superb display away to Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a contest that the visitors won 1-0.
Gabriel Magalhaes scored to win the game, and while the scenes were wild, they were different to anything that has been seen in recent years for one frustrating reason.
Arsenal were forced to wear their away kit at Tottenham, denying Arteta’s side the chance to sport the iconic red and white in the derby.
Such is what Timber is eager to see change, as he stated when reacting to the new 2025/26 Arsenal home kit.
“Wow. This is clean. Look at the details,” Timber said to Arsenal’s official media team, before making the point.
“I hope we can wear it against Tottenham away on our tour.”
Arsenal will play Tottenham in Hong Kong during pre-season, which is when the Netherlands international wants to see the kit colours revert to their usual set-up.
Timber will be fighting to return for pre-season
Timber wants to see change when the Gunners meet their rivals in pre-season for the first-ever overseas North London Derby.
The defender will, however, be facing a race against time to be involved after undergoing surgery.
It was announced that Timber underwent a procedure on his ankle before the 2024/25 season ended, but there’s optimism that he’ll return for Arsenal’s pre-season plans.
After impressing as he did over the campaign, Arteta will be eager to have his prized full-back return for pre-season, ahead of what is set to be a decisive 2025/26 campaign.
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