Why Jurrien Timber will take Arsenal to ANOTHER LEVEL

Yes, you read that right. The man injured the entirety of the season since tearing his ACL against Nottingham Forest just before half time on the opening day of the 2023/24 Premier League season. Today's video will provide an in-depth tactical analysis as to WHY Jurrien Timber is the man to level Mikel Arteta's Arsenal up.
First, I delve into the profile of the Dutchman, explaining how he is conducive to Arteta's favourite word, 'duelling', as well as how that may impact AFC's or Arsenal's out of possession structure next season.
His profile is also one tailor-made for the inverted full-back role, and I examine the evolving left-back role Takehiro Tomiyasu has played in for Arsenal this season, allowing the Japanese international to invert into the pivot, promote as a 'left 8' between the lines, under/overlap and hold the width.
This can also be mapped onto the right hand side, as can Timber's proficiency in the pivot, utilising his press resistance, progressive capabilities via carrying and passing, always seemingly exuding composure.
His dynamism and ability to interchange and rotate also present another nice possibility to break sides down.
Yet, his versatility is arguably his most useful trait, and this allows Timber to play outside CB, to the side of the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, and provide adequate depth to Benjamin White and Jakub Kiwior.
His blend of technical security and physicality secures the best of both Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko, allowing Timber to invert from either side.
This season it seems as though he would have had a really 'fun' role in this Arsenal team under Mikel Arteta. Interchanging with Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, underlapping for Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. He is a truly unique profile.
Such a profile could also allow the Gunners to evolve further under Arteta, potentially using the 3-diamond-3 formation more often. This is another possibility expanded on in the video.
All in all, Jurrien Timber takes Arteta's Arsenal's unpredictability up once again, and comes as part of a group of players full of natural associations, automatisms, in a bid to become more 'off the cuff' in how they use the ball.
Could Timber have been the missing piece; will he be able to propel Arsenal to the premier league title?
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[@RishiSharma-sf6eu]

truthfully i'd rather we not abandon our current system for the diamond formation i didn't like how it looked at the beginning of the season and i don't feel comfortable experimenting with such drastic changes

[@harveygration]

It’s a valuable point. But a lot of the reasons for its inefficiency vs Forest were the lack of automatisms + also same teething issues I’ve examined with regards to our early season dynamics until November. It’s more just looking at the stacking of interiors we have at the club as well-and trying to find a way we can effectively integrate Nwaneri + MLS + get Fabio involved. Hypothesising. But it’s a realistic possibility.

[@RishiSharma-sf6eu]

@@harveygration maybe in a preseason game and against lower table teams, i also don't think rice can operate as a like 6 cus he's not quite press resistant enough

[@user-uv9js9yy2x]

Ok, genius!

[@RishiSharma-sf6eu]

@@user-uv9js9yy2x if ur not smart enough to add anything don't say anything

[@briansmith975]

@@RishiSharma-sf6eu give over brother you are not allowing for growth - in all spheres 1) not just that Timbers inclusion will give experience and resources needed to adapt 2) but also our current roster has had more time as is in this current season to adapt also 3) new recruits for upcoming season who have played under this system are likely to be on board also.

[@vague57]

Our reliance on Ødegaard in team selection & on the park is something that worries me for next season.

[@harveygration]

It’s a discussion I want to get my teeth into more.

[@user-sw2rz7vw9q]

Hey boss, great video ! Although I do feel Gabriel has nailed his spot down and arguably our best defender this year ! Keep up the great work 💯

[@harveygration]

It wouldn’t be Gabs spot he would be taking (unless he inverts from the right and Mikel doesn’t see Gabriel as a LB still-which may have changed), but it would be the Zinny upgrade. Thanks so much for the kind words, your support is greatly appreciated ❤️

[@user-sw2rz7vw9q]

Ahh I hear ya, great analysis ❤

[@harveygration]

Thanks again ❤️

[@Jordan-ge6nv]

What An Excellent Video. Keep Up The Good Work 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@harveygration]

Thanks ever so much, I appreciate your support ❤️❤️

[@victorolajide595]

Timbers ACL injury was a bad sign in the beginning of the season showing Arteta's plan is going to be affected. If he had been fit the defence would have even been meaner in conceding. Hopefully next season it will be better.

[@samg6013]

Thanks for the video bro. Love the chilled out vibes

[@harveygration]

Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed :)

[@SilverSurfer5150]

Jurrien Timber, was part of Arteta’s master plan. IF he’d been fit this year we would have won the league more easily. This year we’ll scrape it. ❤

[@harveygration]

Massive part of it-such a shame.

[@ibinho10]

I doubt it. Complacency is what is killing us. Dropped too many careless points at home. Especially the start of the season. Hopefully, Arteta doesn't try to change our style of play again for the start of the next one. It affected us badly.

[@SilverSurfer5150]

@@ibinho10 Seems like you have no clue, mate. It isn’t complacency that hurt us. It was injuries and not enough squad depth. How we are playing now is not what Arteta intended. What he intended was to have Timber in the squad from day one. He lost that and struggled to keep Arsenal playing well and in the hunt.

[@ibinho10]

@SilverSurfer5150 Now, you have no clue and a bit of delusional vibes. Losing at home to West Ham and Villa is because of injuries? Draw at home to Fulham, i guess it's the fault of injured 😅.. The game at Liverpool we drew, but wait, it wasn't carelessness and complacency. Please analyse cricket or bowling. Definitely, football is not your calling.

[@ibinho10]

@SilverSurfer5150 utd handed us a favour against city, and we choked Vs Villa, but wait, the team had injuries 🤣🤣🤣

[@VinnieHndrx]

Great insight! Much love from Sweden brother! Subbing rn!

[@harveygration]

So kind of you! Thanks so much. Timber gives us a wide range of possibilities-but it is his higher space occupation that excites me the most. Gives us something we don’t have + would explain signing someone like Hato too. Thanks for the sub, many more vids coming up.

[@Sam1626473]

Incredible analysis once again Harvey! Thanks for improving our football knowledge one video at a time

[@harveygration]

My pleasure. Thanks so much for the lovely message ❤️

[@slyarsenal]

We lack attacking threats from our fullbacks. As reliable and solid as White and Tomiyasu are defensively, I believe both lack a good cross, beating opponents 1v1 and ability to dribble pass players. Is Arteta planning to add more fire power from the back by placing Timber on the right and possibly Hato on the left as wingbacks? Is he considering the flexbility of playing a 352 system to accommodate Havertz as striker with a new partner? We play 433 mostly and settle defensively in a 442 shape, but we can build attacks with 5-6 players n the box and have a backline of 5 or 6 defensively. Depending on the opponent and players needing rest, do you guys think we could possibly use the following setup in various games next season? I'm just using Isak and Hato as potential names, but can be substituted by other names depending on who we acquire. -----------------------------Isak Havertz---------------------- -----(Hato/Martinelli) Rice Partey Odegaard (Saka/Timber)-- ------------- Gabriel Saliba White--------------------------------- --------------------------------------Raya------------------------------------------------- ---------------------Isak Havertz Saka------------------------------ ----------------Trossard Rice Odegaard---------------------------- ----------------Hato Gabriel Saliba Timber------------------------------ -----------------------------------Raya------------------------------------------------- ----------------------Isak Havertz Saka---------------------------- ----------------Trossard Rice Timber Odegaard------------------- ------------------------Gabriel Saliba White------------------------------ ----------------------------------------Raya--------------------------------------------

[@godchanceedson5797]

Good content as always... COYG

[@harveygration]

Many thanks 🙏

[@TBG968]

Top vid Harv,he could’ve been the difference excited for his comeback next season.

[@harveygration]

Thank you 😊. Think he just adds a layer of detail that, you never know, could’ve been the difference. Excited to see him back out there in any capacity. Tough road.

[@lander2023]

He will finish as one of the legend. Just love his no nonsense humility. That’s a sign of champion mentality. Nice gangster outlook.

[@briansmith975]

More gold thank you Harvey

[@harveygration]

Very kind. Your support is incredible, thank you.

[@Acyqt]

Great video

[@harveygration]

❤️🙏

[@ShivamKumar-qh8fg]

Could you please do analysis on other teams such as Liverpool on how their future could be under Arne Slot ur analysis are great and engaging

[@harveygration]

Thanks so much-I might be working on a Slot video right now 👀

[@vincentkariuki8645]

Thought you are an arsenal fan

[@harveygration]

I am! But I enjoy analysing other teams as well :)

[@docmarshall527]

Na, focus more on Arsenal, we need more positive podcasts like yours considering the amount of abuse/banter/vitriol Arsenal receive online from rival fans as well as non intelligent Arsenal fans not being able to seperate their emotional view from a logical stand pov...but I will get you choosing to do other teams for a subs stand point

[@josephukaulor4324]

harvey am a chelsea fan, but if cole palmer was at arsenal do u think he would have been a starter on that rw. or do u think he would have been a squad player?

[@harveygration]

He’s closer to Odegaard than Saka. He wouldn’t be competing for Saka’s spot. But if he was-Saka would still be as used as he is now by and large.

[@harveygration]

But he’s a terrific player. Proper passer threat in transition. Like Angel di Maria-that type: same zones. Needs to work on his manipulation in my opinion. But again, not Bukayo. But it doesn’t matter because he’s closer to Odegaard in profile anyway.

[@Apexseal1]

harvey have you done your coaching badges? if not you should, seeing as you're able to understand concepts in pretty high levels of detail.

[@harveygration]

I have not, no. But I really want to get a UEFA license. I’m also going to do an MSc in performance analysis next year fingers crossed 🤞

[@Apexseal1]

@@harveygration well good luck with it mate, you do so much analysis on yt and its been really insightful for me and lots of other fans. also you explain ideas and concepts in a way that shows real understanding as opposed to some creators out there, so if anyone on yt can make it i'd put my money on you👍

[@harveygration]

That’s truly very kind of you. I’m defo gonna try in the next year or two. Can’t thank you enough for being so kind, I’m really trying to present my info in an easy to understand, articulate way! :)

[@robbieharry2630]

harvey how many points do u expect arsenal to get from next season onwards, especially if u get the lcm and striker and do u think u will win league titles and why do u think its a certain?

[@harveygration]

I said the league winner this year would get between 89-93 points so I actually consider myself an expert on point totals considering we can finishing on a max of 89 and City 91😂. Aim has to be to break 90 and push as close as poss towards 100. Under Mikel the team are capable. We’re bound to win multiple big things under him; whether that will be this season though is another question entirely.

[@caakuch3886]

my theory is that MA is building this team around MO8. he’s getting enough profiles to create the ultimate free role for MO. the whole team will be rotate in any way to free up MO

[@harveygration]

Saka needs to be given the same freedom though! Give him the keys too!

[@gooner72]

Hello Harvey, yet another interesting and engaging analysis video, which is exactly the reason why I watch every single video that you put out. In my own opinion, I think that Timber has the potential to go on and improve under Arteta to a point in his career where he becomes one of the top 5 players in the world in his position. I actually think this lad is extremely talented, probably more talented than the Arsenal fan base realise to be honest.

[@harveygration]

I think in terms of the ‘inverted fullback’ role, I really do agree with you. And thank you for the super comment, can’t thank you enough.

[@jacominaar5852]

harvey do u think arsenal would have wrapped up the league, if timber was fit all season and how many points do u reckon we would have gotten?

[@harveygration]

It’s hard to say mate; but it certainly slowed our transition into the Arsenal of now. But injuries happen. Next season 90+.

[@user-ph1mw4hl1z]

lets go for hato

[@kazielbonn]

What do you think about the strong possibility of Hato joining this summer? Most people think he will be starting at left-back. I however have a strong feeling that Gabriel is leaving this summer and Hato could be his replacement, directly or even indirectly. What I like about our full-backs right now is that they are so versatile I can see either Hato starting alongside Saliba with White and Timber flanking or White alongside Saliba, which is the more likely and Timber moving to right-back allowing Hato to start at left-back. Either way, having both Timber and Hato in the team would be a dream for tactical flexibility.

[@jacominaar5852]

harvey do u agree with people saying chelsea have a higher ceiling and more exciting project arsenal, tell me your thoughts and also tell me who has the best project in london and in the league?

[@harveygration]

👎. Poch has a lot more to prove. But his recent adjustments (sorting out distance problems w/ Cucurella inside, platforming players properly etcetc) mean he now deserves time to show they have a high ceiling.

[@jakeansell5408]

No chance

[@Sarmadabbas422]

What's with Dutch players and injuries? Always wondered 🤔

[@kylejewiss659]

I’m an united fan (unfortunately), and I thought he was/would be such an amazing signing for you. Such a good player

[@harveygration]

He really is top. Adds another dimension

[@jacominaar5852]

do u think we can score 4 or 5 goals on sunday considering how bad united are defensively?

[@harveygration]

Maturity on the ball -> beat their high press -> access Havertz + an 8 BTL of their very deep back line -> sustain pressure. Rashford is their key to disruption. But with the above, no reason why we can’t put a few past IMO.

[@c0mbat15]

He reminded me of a defensive version of Wilshere. I just hope that a full year off hasn't stunted his development. I was so gutted for the guy so good luck to him.

[@harveygration]

He’s similarly fluid in how he moves and is able to ride contact. Next szn is a big year for him!

[@rologampus1649]

harvey if pochettino had played the system of cucurella inverting to midfield against arsenal, do u think araenal would have stl beaten chelsea?

[@harveygration]

Yes I do, absolutely. But does that change the fact that he now deserves time after his recent alterations? No. Poch has gone back to much of his pre-season shapes and patterns, and deserves time to show the fruits of them (if he sticks with them this time!!!)

[@jacobalexander4167]

Yes we would, inverting cucurella against arsenal would have been suicidal, saka would have been all by himself with no blue player to mark him, considering the defensive deficiency of Enzo Fernández

[@yangzixiang6605]

timber is zinchenko + tomiyasu, and a kiwior upgrade, that had a full year to learn about arteta's system ggez

[@harveygration]

👍

[@treacheroustiger5571]

I'm hoping Julian can come back from his injury and make an instant impact at full back.

[@bizzablack1807]

Florian Wirtz,Vitinha or Quinten Timber for the left 8..COYG😊

[@harveygration]

Vitinha is brilliant. One of my favourite players outside the PL

[@benbekele5407]

Who do you think is the best Partey, Rice , Jorginho

[@harveygration]

Basmati

[@robinalexander6699]

harvey do u think arsenal beat united at old trafford?

[@harveygration]

If we play w/ the same levels of maturity we have done in recent weeks-yes. In the run in I was originally much more concerned about the NLD as a possible slip up point. Don’t give the crowd anything to grip onto and I’m confident.

[@abrahamgarshong2826]

It will be better if we focus these revelations on competitors such as City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Villa and Spurs so teams can have counter strategies against them so Arsenal gets an advantage. As it is now, you are exposing Arsenal

[@treacheroustiger5571]

I wouldn't mind seeing Arsenal sign Julians brother, Quentin Timber. I think he could slot into the left centre mid role and do well.

[@Goonermenu]

About Odegaard's positioning out of possession; I think it will be similar to the first half of the season and in the 6-0 win against WHU when Havertz was the CM. Odegaard and the false9 (Trossard/Nketiah) pressed while Havertz dropped to the pivot OOP. So I think we will use OOP: Gabriel-Rice-Saliba-Timber; Martinelli-Havertz-FDJ-Saka; Isak-Odegaard. In possession: Gabriel-Saliba-Timber; Rice;FDJ-Odegaard;Havertz;Martinelli-Isak-Saka That could also explain the links to Zubimendi since he is better than FDJ defensively.

[@yungdkay1008]

Don't bother Your tactics won't work

[@markpotter544]

👍

[@sajirz]

Rice will definitely be our next left 8

[@deanjustvibing3337]

Timber lowkey a LB , CDM and striker at the same time .

[@harveygration]

Facts man! His final 3rd play especially excited me: adds a different dimension to the squad we don’t have + you can’t find many other places. Just a lovely player to watch

[@jacominaar5852]

harvey do u think arsenal are set to dominate the league for the next decade and especially if pep leaves city?

[@harveygration]

V good chance of it IMO

[@jacoblasoi9403]

We have a very good chance of it Lad

[@bennymotalem340]

Truth is; nobody knows what arteta is going to do next.

[@isakeng007]

Hope Timber features against Man U

[@harveygration]

Me too! But will probably be a sub app if he does come on. I think Everton (H) js when we can hope to see him. Then a massive next season!

[@jacominaar5852]

harvey thoughts on people saying cole palmer is better than saka, its a shame the disrespect bukayo gets?

[@harveygration]

Yeah it’s silly. Saka is my POTY for us, simple. He has the most influence on the team. When his environment improves this will not even be debatable.

[@wrd777]

With Timber, Arsenal evolve from 3-5-2 to 2-6-2!

[@ismailope4781]

Cool vid. But I swear the way you talk is like a homage to Adrian from the coffee house crime Channel.

[@marcelosalgado9295]

Should have done that the season before 🤨

[@charles9489]

Arteta doesnt like a switch of play though.

[@footyfan1151]

I find the dilema on odegaard interesting I'm still torn. He's not an elite 10 like Vieira can be. And he probably can't defend deep as an 8 so where does that leave him in the future? Do we sell or do we develop him as an 8?

[@harveygration]

It’s something I’m going to talk about. I’m still torn myself so I really want to put some time aside to going over it properly.

[@footyfan1151]

@@harveygration looking forward to it🤝

[@briansmith975]

Anything to do with a change in Odegaards role needs to factor in his defensive press output whIch is off the charts. There is no one who matches him at this point. I am more interested in how Arteta can develop a system where another forward can tag with MO8 mid game so there is less likelihood of short medium or long tear burnout

[@footyfan1151]

@@briansmith975 We can't play odegaard just cause he can run. We have better no 10 in the squad that can play that raumdeuter role and he's the dream 8 in possession but out of it he'd need to defend in a double pivot which he probably can't do...

[@RaphaelFellowes]

My friend you cannot be ‘stoic’ in that sense. You probably mean ‘adamant’ or ‘certain’. To be stoic is to endure hardships or challenges with a level mind, in the same way that the Stoics, a group of classical philosophers, advised.

[@charleslittledale7991]

Play him at right back & buy a world class left back

[@harveygration]

Defo an option

[@harveygration]

Keep Jurrien inverted and underlapping and buy a proper overlapper on the left

[@jamesajayi9857]

Thanks again Prof. Another top draw football lecture. Kudos😅

[@harveygration]

Cheers again James. Top man!

[@RM-lh7on]

They talking Arteta... What is that? They talking Arteta... What is that? No more trust the process now it's time's up this guys gotta go He could be a world-class coach but as a manager man a baby boy When they started talking Arteta I said nah you must can do better Bro aint done this before u let my guy take on too much pressure. Thought he was a young Pep But all the time they hold a young pepper. Arteta out!! NOW! He bottled every single thing Carabao Cup? Bigger Fish to Fry ... Premier League? Bigger tears to cry!

[@paulbenisrael3327]

Go and support someone else dickhead

[@ikeobanya5138]

Stoic? Do you mean stoked?

[@harveygration]

Stoic, meaning enduring. I’ve maintained ‘stoically’ throughout the season of Timber’s importance to this team.

[@jacobfraser440]

Based on the start of the season and transfer links I can see Arteta going with Hato-Saliba-white-Timber especially against low blocks. Could be wrong though though Gabriel has been great this season

[@harveygration]

Hato/Timber provide a nice balance between final third play and lockdown defence. My preference probably still stands towards a saliba back up in the back line though as far as transfers go! But if both get done that is incredible! Hato is essentially like ake but better in the air and is technically on steroids. Ake more subtle atm though but that comes w age.

[@chelsea4life32]

harvey you are an arsenal fan and wont like to admit but cole palmer is better than saka, he has more goals and assists and he should start at the euros, u might disagree, but its my opinion, i love to know your thoughts?

[@psalm5187]

...Are you an arsenal fan ? Is the pope Roman Catholic ?

[@psalm5187]

Let's evaluate Cole Palmer v Bukayo Saka the end of the 25/26 season.

[@rogorog8693]

harvey thoughts on liverpool fans saging arsenal will lose their last 2 games while they themselves win their last two😂?

[@harveygration]

🤭

[@robinflakes4902]

harvey am a united fan, i actually want u to win the league, but i worry this is your best ever chance. if u dont do it this season u never will, u have to capitalize like how leicester did?

[@harveygration]

As much as I’d love to win it this year part of the reason I’m not overthinking it is because we are going to win multiple big things under Mikel. Our chances are only going to improve. Matter of when, certainly not if.

[@okuhle1711]

Disrespectful comparison, last year was our last chance, this year AGAIN its our last chance. When are people going to learn that Arsenal are only improving not declining

[@GDaddyK]

​@@harveygration💯👍

[@jamesedwards7770]

They said that last season

[@kaiganaxabystc4136]

It was our best chance last season, its our best chance this year, at this rate its gonna be our best chance for a couple of seasons😂😅😂. Who knows what will happen in one of the likely couple of best chance seasons. We keep believing.

[@briansmith975]

The injury ladder for EPL lost games thru injury has Arsenal mid table. Sorry your theory is lacking in one major area. Facts !!

[@matthewhayden1332]

harvey, i think arsenal have to win the league this year, this is your best chance to do it or you never will, dont u agree with me, u have also had luck with injuries?