Mikel Arteta needs to drop Jurrien Timber at Arsenal amid the defender’s uninspiring run of form in all competitions.
At the start of the season, Timber was one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet, but now, that has to change.
The Dutchman has been poor for some time, so the writing should be on the wall for the Arsenal manager.
Against Wolves, Timber was all over the place, losing possession as many as 18 times and failing to bring the element of control that he once guaranteed.
You have can send Mikel Arteta one message after the Wolves draw, what is it?
Mikel Arteta needs to drop Jurrien Timber for Ben White after Wolves draw
Throughout the season, Timber has been regarded as one of the world’s best fullbacks, but in recent weeks, he’s been far from that level.
Perhaps the most alarming part about the 24-year-old’s recent showings is how little he’s combining with those ahead of him, which is no use to Arsenal’s already-struggling attack.
It’s as fortunate as it is frustrating that Arteta has Ben White on the bench, as the answer to improving Arsenal right now is to drop Timber for White, but that was the case all along.
Timber is so versatile and does exactly what Arteta wants from a fullback, but there’s no denying that right now, his form is not offering Arsenal what they need as a collective in this moment.
White, on the other hand, does, being an attack-minded fullback with more experience than Timber, particularly when it comes to linking with wingers.
We’ve seen the impact that White has on Bukayo Saka and those around him, and now, Arteta has no choice but to react.
Arsenal fans want Jurrien Timber to be dropped for Ben White after his performance against Wolves
If what Arteta saw from Timber’s sluggish performance at Molineux wasn’t enough to convince him that change is needed, then the feedback of Arsenal fans should.
During the game, an Arsenal fan posted the following message on X.
True or false: Arsenal are a better team when Ben White plays over Jurrien Timber…
“Ben White needs to come in we look a far better attacking team when he plays, Timber running on absolutely nothing.”
They weren’t the only one to say it, “Arteta had to sub in White but permanently, Timber doesn’t know how to attack.”
More concern flooded in about Timber’s lack of attacking spark in comparison to White.
“Timber couldn’t attack to save his life, but White can’t get minutes….Arteta needs his brain checked!”
The answer is there for Arteta, with all eyes on whether the boss puts his preferred back four aside to strengthen Arsenal’s attacking options.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
