"Have been super solid", "Take a bow" - Arsenal fans hail 'impressive' Gunners duo for their performance in win over Tottenham
Arsenal fans have taken to social media to hail their defenders Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes for their performance in the 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. It was a defensive masterclass from the duo, who ensured that the Gunners left New White Hart Lane with all three points and a clean sheet on September 15.
Gunners goalkeeper David Raya is worth an honorable mention for his quality between the sticks. The 29-year-old Spaniard made five important saves to keep the game in the favor of his side. However, the players in his defense were vital, and fans on social media took notice of their work.
Jurrien Timber had a total of nine defensive actions, making three clearances and winning two tackles. The 23-year-old struggled in the air, as he failed to win a header. However, he won three duels on the ground and caused lots of trouble for Spurs when they attacked down their right flank.
Easily the Player of the Match, fans recognized Gabriel Magalhaes for his importance in the first third and his quality in the final third. At the back, he made 12 defensive actions, amid seven clearances and two blocks. He also played a huge part in their win, getting into the opposition box for an attacking corner and powering his header into the roof of the net.
Fans took to social media after the game, praising the Arsenal duo with posts like these:
"Gabriel & Timber have been super solid," one fan said.
"Timber or Gabriel MOTM for me," another Arsenal fan said.
"Timber and Gabriel also very impressive," a third noted.
"Gabriel and Timber have been monsters." another claimed.
"London is Red ❤️ 🥶 Timber was so good today, Gabriel Magalhaes man of the match," a fifth was pleased.
"Gabriel Saliba and Timber take a bow," another fan was happy.
Ian Wright reveals Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was not pleased with Gunners forward
While the Arsenal manager would have no issues with how his defenders played, he might have had a few concerns about his attackers, who struggled to finish chances. Gabriel Martinelli, in particular, had a massive chance to open the scoring in the first half, but the forward failed to stress the Tottenham goalkeeper.
It was an effort that should have led to a goal, but his rather tame shot was saved comfortably by Guglielmo Vicario. The missed chance did not make Arsenal legend Ian Wright happy, and the former striker revealed that it frustrated Mikel Arteta as well.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Wright stated (via HITC):
“I think with the Martinelli one especially, (frustrating)... In games like this, especially with the Martinelli chance, you have to get the goal in the bag... The manager (is frustrated) as well, by the looks of it."
Gabriel Martinelli will hope to improve on his performances when Arsenal return to Premier League action against Manchester City next week (September 22).