“I have returned the Man of the match award to him because he deserved it more than me… He’s the best player I’ve ever played with so far”: Gabriel Magalhaes shocked by his Arsenal teammate’s performance against Tottenham yesterday
“I have returned the Man of the match award to him because he deserved it more than me… He’s the best player I’ve ever played with so far”:
Gabriel Magalhaes shocked by his Arsenal teammate’s performance against Tottenham today
Arsenal star Jurrien Timber may have been fortunate to stay on the pitch when his side took on Tottenham in the North London Derby.
The Dutch defender starred at left-back in the clash, looking to seal his place in the team after a disrupted first season through injury.
While Timber missed out on the first two North London Derby clashes in his time since signing, he made up for lost time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and became far from a favourite of the hosts.
In a 50-50 challenge with Pedro Porro, the 23-year-old seemingly rolled his foot over the ball and caught his Spanish counterpart.
Referee Jarred Gillett initially booked Timber, with VAR checking for a red card decision, but waving away the claims for a sending-off of the Arsenal man.
Paul Merson and Jamie Redknapp verdict on Jurrien Timber red card
While Timber was cautioned for his challenge, both Arsenal icon Paul Merson and ex-Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp thought it could have been a red card.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp started by saying: “There was a tackle here last year with Curtis Jones getting sent off for tackling Yves Bissouma. It’s very similar.
“Timber is incredibly lucky. Other referees would have sent him off. It’s excessive force he has gone in with, it’s an unnatural action.
Merson agreed, adding: “He’s fortunate, especially away from home, especially with the way the referee is handing out yellow cards like ice cream!”
It was a key flashpoint that could have changed the game, with Arsenal potentially getting away with one in the match.
Jurrien Timber moment pays back Arsenal
Tottenham may feel hard done over the decision for Timber to stay on the pitch, but Arsenal will certainly feel as though they are owed one.
With the Declan Rice sending off seeming harsh in the clash against Brighton, the Gunners may get that bit of luck they deserve over recent matches.
It was a key moment in the match that will certainly be viewed at and discussed following the clash.
It also puts the squad in better shape heading to Manchester City in the key Premier League title clash next weekend.
