Bring Back Kerrea Gilbert this is what you need to compete with city. The type of situation where some combination of Timber, White or Calafiori at fullback means we can beat anyone. That’s a robust squad.
Timberrrrrrrrrr!
He was never the progressive passing type inverter. His strengths were his agility and ball control which favour running up and down the flank.
I really feel like all three of White, Timber and Calafiori are in the top 5-7 fullbacks in the EPL right now, which is incredible to see. I think I'd put Gvardiol and TAA in that group with maybe Cucurella in current form as well but having all 3 at Arsenal is awesome. Add to that with Tomiyasu when healthy and Zinchenko here and there and we really have a great group of defenders to choose from. Really hope that we can keep the top 3 healthy this season though - that will be up to Arteta to effectively manage minutes and rotation.
We've got a warrior in White who will play through pain but that carries risks for us so very important to have options. Tomi is good when available but we can't rely on his fitness.
Also while White possibly offers more going forward Timber looks rock solid against more tricky wingers, that is an area where White struggles.
JazzG Very true- each has their own strengths without a ton of overlap on unique attributes, which makes it a nice collection that Arteta can use depending on the matchup. This is of course assuming they are all fit, which we haven't yet seen but hopefully soon with Tomi back in training.
- Edited
Some people here have been saying since last season that he will be our right back, he will bench White. And I was like where is that coming from? No chance in hell. But yeah, I see it. The guy is so fucking good
I'd rather White at right back and Timber at left back until Cala improves/sharpens up.
That tackle on Barcola (who's killing everyone in Ligue 1 btw) was exceptional. This guy is so good defensively and the sort of full back I'd trust to fully neutralise a Diaz/Salah type winger. These tricky wingers have killed us in the past because White and Zinny are not particularly good at dealing with this sort of threat. We have a proper 1v1 winner now and it feels good.
This actually made me laugh. Unbelievable sequence of play from him.
Exceptional stuff. Our recruiting is top tier. The way to know is I don’t miss a single guy who has left this summer. All these guys who have come in or remained are evolving the team and fighting for a starting spot.
Claudius The way to know is I don’t miss a single guy who has left this summer.
Good will for all those three, but it's quite clear they wouldn't have been selected here, despite all being quality footballers.
Thought he had done Timber there, an exception recovery tackle and then takes the ball out comfortably. Against tricky wingers Timber is our first choice imo.
he had a reputation for being defensively suspect didn't he? he looks bloody good in both directions tbh.
Gazza M to be fair I'm pretty sure most of his games for Ajax was at CB, which I'd imagine makes it easier for someone like him to look suspect.
I’m just happy the clown ETH overlooked Timber for his three ring circus.
Claudius He actually didn't but it made me laugh even more.
He spent the entire summer chasing Timber but Ajax said he was not for sale that summer while we threw all our eggs at Martinez. He then gave up and probably thought since we are chasing Martinez like mad he should just intercept us which he did successfully.
We then had a free run at Timber the next summer as Ajax promised him that they will sell him the following summer.
Joker.
Thank god. Love him. Proper fighter and technically superb. Can't believe we were denied of him last season.
Really hope the injury is just a precaution. Slightly worried about his load but glad they are managing it.
If we had Timber last season we would have won the title
That tackle made me audibly gasp when watching yesterday. It looked like he was left for dead and then he just periscoped that leg out and snatched the ball from one of the best dribblers in the world right now. Add to it that he can then transition immediately to the attack and it's tough to see anyone else starting over him when fully fit. Glad we were careful with him and took him off at halftime because he is going to be absolutely crucial against teams like Liverpool and locking down Diaz. I would actually hope that Tomiyasu is fit for that match because Timber and Tomiyasu on opposite sides would be a nightmare for Diaz and Salah.