Something about Arsenal feels different this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now tried and failed to win the Premier League for three years on the bounce, and so it does feel like this time, it’s do or die.
Fortunately, the North Londoners seem to have taken this added pressure in their stride, as they currently sit atop the league with three wins from three in the Champions League.
Moreover, while they are more fluid in attack than many have given them credit for, they’re utterly incredible at the back, and one player in particular is performing so well that he could help Bukayo Saka do even better.
Arsenal's world-class defence
While there is plenty of debate over which teams have the best attack and midfield in the Premier League and Europe, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to deny that Arsenal have the best defence around.
For example, on the domestic front this season, the Gunners have played eight games in the league and one in the League Cup.
In the former, they have scored 15 goals and conceded just three, and then in the latter, they haven’t conceded any.
Arsenal
4.7
Newcastle
5.7
Man City
8.2
Leeds
8.3
Spurs
9.0
Liverpool
9.2
Sunderland
9.5
Wolves
10.0
Brentford
10.0
Brighton
10.5
Moreover, according to FBref, the North Londoners have only given up a grand total of 4.70 expected goals against in the league, and faced 18 shots on target, both comfortably the lowest in the competition.
What about the Champions League, then?
Well, it’s a similar story, with them keeping three clean sheets in three games and conceding an average of 0.50 expected goals against per 90, which, again, is the lowest in the competition.
What makes the Gunners’ outrageous defensive record even more impressive is the fact that they have conceded just a single shot on target across the last three games, courtesy of Atletico Madrid’s Thiago Almada in the 77th minute on Tuesday night, when his team were already 4-0 down.
In short, it’s impossible to deny that, as things stand, Arsenal have the best defence, not just in England, but Europe, and now one of the back four looks like he could even help get more out of Saka going the other way.
The Arsenal defender who could help make Saka even more dangerous
While there are certainly arguments to be made for Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel, the defender doing the most to help Saka offensively this season is Jurrien Timber.
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Often seen as an elite lockdown full-back with mediocre attacking abilities in the past, the former Ajax star is seemingly doing everything in his power this season to prove he’s unreal in all phases.
Whether Arteta has given him the license to roam up the pitch more this season, or he’s simply more comfortable doing so, the Dutchman has become a genuine outlet for the Gunners on the right.
While his passing range has improved slightly so far, his close control and movement have taken the most significant step forward this year, with performances against Newcastle United and Atleti being the best examples.
For example, against the Toon, he attempted six dribbles, completed three, took three shots and ended the game with a combined expected goal and assist figure of 0.74.
Then, against the Madrid outfit on Tuesday night, the 24-year-old monster, who analyst Ben Mattinson has described as “one of the best Emirates-era signings,” completed another dribble, played two key passes, and took a shot.
The Utrecht-born titan’s reward for his newfound attacking prowess this season currently stands at two goals and two assists in 11 games, but with all that said, why is this good news for Saka?
Well, simply put, a more dangerous Timber just behind him, or to his right on occasion, should lead to a bit more space for him to operate in.
After all, as teams become more familiar with the attacking talents of the Dutchman, they won’t be able to leave him unmarked in their own third.
Moreover, his improved technique and better understanding of attacking situations could lead to him creating more goal-scoring opportunities for the Englishman or finishing those created by the Hale Ender.
Ultimately, Arsenal have a truly world-class defence, and now Timber’s improved attacking ability could help make Saka into even more of a monster than he already is.
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