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Arsenal are set to play PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League last 16, with Jurrien Timber anticipating a tough reception at the Phillips Stadion.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber has issued a rallying cry to his teammates, urging them to “change the narrative” ahead of their Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, in a bid to rejuvenate Arsenal’s season. The Gunners, who have faced criticism for their recent struggles in front of goal, are set to face the Dutch champions in the first leg of the Round of 16 at the Philips Stadion.
Arsenal’s attacking line has been severely weakened by injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. This has left manager Mikel Arteta with limited options up front, forcing him to deploy defensive midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift forward. The Gunners have failed to score in their last two matches, adding to the pressure on the team to deliver a strong performance against PSV.
Speaking ahead of the match, Timber emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to turn their season around. “Tomorrow is a beautiful game and a chance to change the narrative and win,” he said. Timber’s message is clear: the team must capitalize on this crucial Champions League fixture to regain their momentum and silence their critics.
Despite their struggles in attack, Arsenal has shown resilience in defense, boasting one of the best defensive records in the Champions League group stages. Timber highlighted the team’s defensive solidity as a key factor in their success so far and stressed the need for a collective effort to stop PSV’s potent attacking threat.
However, the lack of goals has been a major concern for the Gunners. With only two shots on target in their recent defeat against West Ham and just one in their draw with Nottingham Forest, the team must find a way to break their goal drought. Timber acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in the squad’s quality and determination to overcome it.
One bright spot for Arsenal has been the emergence of 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who has become a first-team regular following the spate of injuries to the frontline. Timber praised the young talent and expressed hope that Nwaneri could provide a spark in the upcoming match against PSV.
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