Jurrien Timber has emphasized the importance of Arsenal’s upcoming clash against PSV Eindhoven, believing that a victory in this match will provide the club with an opportunity to “change the narrative” of their season. The Netherlands defender, who joined Arsenal from Ajax in 2023, is confident that his side has the motivation and ability to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals for the second consecutive season.
The Gunners face the Dutch champions in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Tuesday night. Despite Arsenal’s recent struggles in the Premier League, where they have failed to score in their last two matches against West Ham and Nottingham Forest, Timber remains optimistic. The team has encountered setbacks, but Timber believes that this challenge represents a critical opportunity for the club to turn things around and regain momentum.
Arsenal has been far from their best in recent weeks, particularly with their inability to find the back of the net in key matches. Their poor form in the league has seen them drop further away from the Premier League title race, which has increased the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, Timber maintains that the players are not bogged down by these difficulties. Instead, they see the match against PSV Eindhoven as a chance to show their true potential, particularly after performing well in the group stages of the Champions League earlier in the season.
The motivation within the squad is palpable, with Timber noting that the team knows how crucial the upcoming tie is. “We showed in the group stages that we did really well, we have a good team, and this is a beautiful game and a chance to change the narrative to win,” he stated. Arsenal has been faced with significant challenges in recent weeks, but Timber is confident that they have the strength to rise to the occasion.
PSV Eindhoven, who have long been a formidable force in European competition, are not to be underestimated. Despite Arsenal’s recent struggles, Timber believes that the team has what it takes to secure a positive result away from home. “I don’t see it as negative but we’ve been through a lot, especially the last couple of weeks, but it’s a challenge for us and we have to take it,” he said. “We have to score tomorrow, we have to win, and in the Champions League, you only have two games so you don’t get second chances, so we have to go for it in this game.”
In recent years, Arsenal has struggled to assert their dominance in European competitions, and their past record against PSV Eindhoven, including four unsuccessful attempts to win in Eindhoven, makes this match even more critical. The pressure is mounting, but Timber insists that the team is fully aware of the significance of this fixture and the need to seize the opportunity. “We have to go for it,” he said, underlining the urgency of their Champions League campaign.
Midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to continue in his makeshift role as a centre-forward due to injuries and squad adjustments. Despite his unfamiliar position, Merino’s contribution to the team remains vital, and his ability to adapt could prove crucial in the tie against PSV Eindhoven. This fluidity in the squad highlights the challenges Arsenal has faced with injuries and form but also demonstrates their flexibility and determination to succeed.
In addition to the pressures of the upcoming Champions League tie, Arsenal is also looking to strengthen their squad for the future. Andrea Berta, who recently left his role as sporting director at Atlético Madrid, is reportedly in the running to take over from Edu at Arsenal. The Italian is thought to be interested in a move to the Premier League, and his appointment could bring a new direction to Arsenal’s transfer strategy. However, Mikel Arteta insists that his focus is firmly on the immediate challenge ahead rather than the future. “It’s a game that really brings a different energy,” Arteta said. “It’s a competition that puts everybody on their toes. We’ve done a lot already this season. Here and now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want.”
The upcoming tie against PSV Eindhoven will undoubtedly be a defining moment in Arsenal’s season. With their Premier League aspirations faltering, the Champions League represents the club’s best chance for success this campaign. The players, particularly Timber, understand the magnitude of the task ahead and are determined to change the narrative by securing a place in the quarter-finals. The first leg on Tuesday will set the tone for what could be a pivotal period in Arsenal’s season, and the team will be hoping to turn their fortunes around on the European stage.
