Jack Wilshere has named a surprise candidate who he thinks will be key to the Premier League title push as the Gunners seek to end a 21-year drought. Not since the fabled ‘Invincibles’ season of 2003/04 has the red half of north London lifted the Premier League trophy. Now, under Mikel Arteta, the Emirates faithful dare to believe again.
Getty Images SportArsenal’s long quest for glory
Arteta’s side have finished runners-up three seasons in a row, pushing both Manchester City and Liverpool close, but never close enough. This time, though, there’s a new belief, and a new name Wilshere insists could make all the difference.
AdvertisementGyokeres leads the line, but Timber takes the praise
Arsenal’s summer shopping spree included Viktor Gyokeres, the powerful Swedish striker recruited to ease the burden on Bukayo Saka. The midfield remains driven by the calm control of Martin Odegaard, the leadership of William Saliba in defence, and the safe hands of David Raya in goal. Yet, for Wilshere, the player who could define Arsenal’s title charge this season isn’t one of the headline-grabbing forwards or playmakers. It’s the quietly commanding Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, the man he calls Arsenal’s secret weapon.
AFP'I love Timber, he gives you everything'
In an interview with, Wilshere couldn’t hide his admiration for Timber and said, "The one that I really love is Timber. I think, apart from number nine and in goal, he gives you something in every single position. He’s aggressive, he wins his duels, he looks like a leader."
From Ajax to Arsenal: A perfect fit
Timber’s journey from Amsterdam to North London has been one of seamless adaptation. In just over a year, he’s made 59 appearances for Arsenal and cemented himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back this campaign. He’s started six of Arsenal’s eight games across the Premier League and Champions League this season, and his influence shows no sign of waning.
