Jurrien Timber reacts to Gabriel Martinelli after Arsenal survive Fulham scare

04/02/2025 02:30 AM

Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber reacted to a message from teammate Gabriel Martinelli after a 2-1 win over Fulham.

Martinelli put in one of his best performances of the season, playing a major role in the Gunner’s moving to within nine points of Liverpool in the Premier League table.

Whilst a first league title since 2004 seems out of reach, the win against the Whites will give Arsenal good momentum ahead of their Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Bukayo Saka’s goal-scoring return to the Arsenal matchday squad will be another reason to believe the Gunners can cause an upset against the Spanish giants.

However, injuries suffered by Gabriel Magalhaes and Timber will temper expectations, with the Brazilian potentially out for the rest of the season, having been substituted in the 16th minute against the Whites.

Gabriel Martinelli celebrates three points after late Fulham flourish

Martinelli’s assist to Saka was the difference maker against Fulham, as despite scoring a late goal, Rodrigo Muniz’s wasted chances saved Arsenal from embarrassment.

Following the win, the Brazilian winger posted several images of himself in action to Instagram, captioned simply: “3 points”, with an accompanying hand emoji.

Timber then responded with a fire and love-heart emoji, showing support for his teammate.

Arsenal will face Everton in their next match, with the Gunners hoping their next opponents can claim a win against Liverpool on Wednesday evening (2 April).

Gabriel Martinelli form now gives Mikel Arteta a selection headache

Football Insider Verdict

Saka’s return from injury will signal a significant shuffle in how Arsenal line-up going forward.

Ethan Nwaneri has been an incredible deputy to the winger in his absence with injury, but the England international remains first-choice at right-wing.

As such, the 18-year-old was considered a good choice to replace not only Martinelli, but also Leandro Trossard at left-wing, given both have flattered to deceive this season.

However, the Brazilian’s return to form creates an issue, since it would make little sense to drop him for the less direct Nwaneri.

If the England U21 international cannot play on the right or the left, due to Martinelli and Saka, he must be played down the middle, right?

The issue there is, Arteta favours defensive solidity in his midfield, choosing to use Martin Odegaard as the creative fulcrum of the team.

Nwaneri has been too good for the Spaniard to drop, and as such, the Arsenal boss may be forced to set up his side more offensively going forward, with the 18-year-old appearing in a number 10 role behind the striker.

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