Jurrien Timber believes Arsenal can “change the narrative” of their season with a victory over PSV Eindhoven in their Champions League last-16 clash.
The Gunners have been hit hard by injuries, with key attackers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli remain sidelined with hamstring issues. Their absence has been felt, as Arsenal have failed to score in their last two matches and now trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by 13 points.
Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal impressed in the Champions League group stage, finishing third with 19 points while conceding just three goals.
Ahead of Tuesday’s first leg at PSV’s Philips Stadium, Dutch defender Timber expressed confidence in the team’s ability to turn things around.
“I think the motivation is there, and the Champions League is an amazing competition to play in,” he said. “We showed in the group stage that we performed really well and have a strong squad. Tomorrow is a great opportunity to change the narrative and secure a win.”
Timber has made 36 appearances for Arsenal this season after an injury-plagued debut campaign, in which an anterior cruciate ligament injury limited him to just two Premier League games.
The 23-year-old believes Arsenal don’t need to overcomplicate things to regain momentum.
“We have so much quality in our squad, even with the injuries—especially in attack,” Timber added. “It’s a great challenge for us to step up, find solutions, and score goals. Hopefully, we can show that tomorrow.”
With only two legs in the knockout stage, Timber knows the importance of making an immediate impact.
“We have to score, we have to win,” he said. “In the Champions League, you don’t get second chances. So we have to give everything in this game.”
Arsenal’s recent performances have drawn criticism, but Timber remains unfazed and sees the situation as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“I don’t see it as a negative. We’ve been through a lot, especially in the last few weeks,” the former Ajax defender said. “But this is a challenge we have to embrace. Tomorrow is a great chance to prove ourselves—and we will.”
