The modern game increasingly demands that fullbacks step beyond their traditional roles, particularly in a tactical setup like Arsenal’s. Imagine a fullback sidelined by defensive duties. Now, picture them as pivotal figures in the attack. A case in point is players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose passing ability redefines expectations from this position. Consider the precision of Federico Dimarco, or the sheer force of Gabriel Magalhaes. This trend of fullbacks becoming vital to the offensive game plan is here to stay.
However, the significant contributions of Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie to Arsenal’s attack raise myriad questions, especially after their underwhelming display in a recent 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. They each recorded as many penalty box touches as Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka, but the effectiveness of those touches was debatable. Arsenal enjoyed a strong presence on the pitch but struggled to convert possession into meaningful opportunities.
Kai Havertz’s 89th-minute penalty highlighted how little Arsenal found the net that evening. In fact, Havertz’s spot-kick marked just their sixth attempt on goal, with only two shots taken in a 40-minute stretch. Timber’s involvement, while frequent, had a noticeable braking effect on the team’s attacking momentum. With Leverkusen employing a three-man central defense, the space on the flanks should have opened pathways for dynamic runs, but opportunities evaporated.
Timber’s positioning wasn’t the issue. A flick from Martin Zubimendi set him up nicely, yet despite a promising start, Timber’s attempt culminated in a cross that failed to bypass the defense.
This evening was a microcosm of a larger trend. Timber has had notable attacking success this season, netting four goals and providing six assists. He has the awareness to find spaces in the box, demonstrated by his assist on Viktor Gyokeres’ goal against Tottenham. Still, one must ponder whether Timber should occupy such crucial attacking positions regularly. Would he see the same amount of action in the box if Mikel Arteta’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, were on the field? The evidence is conflicting; Timber’s touches in the penalty area remain consistent, but their quality could diminish without Ødegaard’s playmaking influence.
The absence of a natural playmaker has shifted Arsenal’s tempo, leading to a frustrating pattern of lateral play without progression. While Timber’s touches have been high, many are either by the byline or off set pieces, areas traditionally dominated by his counterparts.
The conundrum lies here: Why does Timber, one of the squad’s less dangerous attacking players, keep receiving significant touches in prime areas? This peculiar trend illustrates the overall complexity and occasional oddities within Arsenal’s tactical setup.
