Arsenal: Why new link-up between Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka is so exciting for Mikel Arteta | OneFootball

Timber is developing a good relationship with Saka that is unlocking Arsenal again

It may come as a surprise to learn who was officially Arsenal’s most creative player in their thumping win over Sporting.

The answer is not Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard. In fact, it was Jurrien Timber.

It was a stunning ball from Timber too, with his cross perfectly splitting Sporting’s defence and goalkeeper Franco Israel.

Timber and Saka starred as Arsenal thrashed Sporting in the Champions League

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

The assist was the highlight of a brilliant performance from the Dutch defender, who completed more passes than any other Arsenal player. He also had the most touches, too.

On a statement night for Arsenal, this was a statement performance from Timber.

In seasons gone by the idea of Ben White being out for months would have been a major concern for Mikel Arteta.

The fact that White has so often played through the pain barrier over the past few years underlines just how crucial he has been to this team.

But Timber is proving genuine competition for White and looks set to thrive in his absence.

He has played at left and right-back during his time with Arsenal, even filling in at centre-back during pre-season over the summer. Now, though, Timber is set to get a run at right-back, which is where he was originally signed to play.

Arsenal have long been conscious of the minutes they have asked White to get through and Timber was brought in to provide serious cover and competition.

The 23-year-old has excelled in Arsenal’s last two games and most promising of all is his relationship with Saka.

Timber created three chances against Sporting and also set up Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

White and Saka have developed a great understanding of each other’s games in recent seasons, making Arsenal’s right flank their most potent weapon thanks to the help of Odegaard.

White’s knee issue was clearly hindering him before he had surgery this month, however, and it was noticeable how he was not making his usual overlapping runs.

Such a tactic is key to how Arsenal attack, with White’s movement often pulling away one of the players that has doubled on a Saka. If they don’t follow him, then White is free and Saka is able to play him in.

It is early days, but Timber has shown how he will give Saka plenty of support and that could help get the best out of the winger.

Arsenal signed Timber because scouts identified him as an athletic and front-foot defender. They especially liked his ability on the ball and believed he could have a big impact on how Arsenal play in possession, both against teams who press high and those that sit deep in a low block.

That was born out against Sporting and Timber finished the game with more progressive passes than any other Arsenal player.

Simply put, he drives Arsenal forward and it was telling that his average position on Tuesday was ahead of fellow full-back Riccardo Calafiori and holding midfielder Thomas Partey.

Timber has been given the licence to get forward and that will be music to Saka’s ears.

The England star has already been boosted by the return of Odegaard, but a rampaging Timber will give him even more support.

There are already signs that the trio of Odegaard, Saka and Timber are starting to click. In total, 61 of Arsenal’s 458 passes against Sporting were played between the three players and they are quickly learning each other’s games.

The Gunners have had to cope with plenty of changes in defence this season due to injuries, but going into the busy festive period there is a sense now they will have a settled back-four.

Timber, in particular, looks at home at right-back and he is ready to show why White will not be as big a miss as first feared.