Owen Hargreaves says Arsenal boast the Premier League’s best full-backs

Arsenal best full-backs praised by Hargreaves as Timber, White, Calafiori, and Lewis‑Skelly drive Arteta’s title challenge.

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has hailed Arsenal as the Premier League side with the strongest full-backs options. He highlighted their depth and quality as a crucial factor in the Gunners’ title charge. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Hargreaves pointed to Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and academy graduate Myles Lewis‑Skelly as the best defensive flanks in England.

Jurrien Timber has impressed with his versatility, composure, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. He has become a pivotal figure in Arteta’s system. Ben White, operating primarily on the right, stood out in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brentford, balancing defensive solidity with effective support in attack.

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Riccardo Calafiori has adapted quickly to Premier League football, offering consistent performances and strengthening Arsenal’s defensive unit. Myles Lewis‑Skelly, though limited in appearances, represents a promising Hale End graduate and underscores the depth available to Arteta.

Why Full-Back Depth Matters

Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by five points over Manchester City, with defensive resilience playing a major role. Injuries to William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have forced Arteta to rely heavily on his full-backs. Hargreaves stressed that having four high-quality options gives Arsenal tactical flexibility, allowing rotation without compromising quality.

Modern football demands full-backs do more than defend. They must provide width, drive ball progression, and support attacks. Timber and Calafiori combine defensive stability with offensive thrust. White offers adaptability, able to operate both centrally and wide. Lewis‑Skelly brings energy, technical ability, and long-term potential. This depth allows Arteta to tweak formations while keeping balance across the pitch.

Hargreaves’ praise highlights why Arsenal are viewed as serious contenders. With Manchester City chasing, having multiple elite full-backs could prove decisive in sustaining a title challenge. If Arsenal maintain defensive strength while continuing to score consistently, their full-back quality may be remembered as a cornerstone of the 2025/26 campaign.

Owen Hargreaves believes Arsenal’s full-backs—Timber, White, Calafiori, and Lewis‑Skelly—are unmatched in the Premier League. Their quality and depth provide Mikel Arteta with a unique advantage as the Gunners pursue the 2025/26 title.

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