Mikel Arteta explains tactical tweak as Jurrien Timber is given shock position change in Arsenal friendly vs Man Utd
MIKEL ARTETA has explained the decision behind changing Jurrien Timber's position during Arsenal's pre-season friendly against Manchester United.
The Gunners faced Erik ten Hag's side at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday.
Timber was named in the starting line-up but played in the centre of defence as opposed to either side.
Academy star Ayden Heaven was his centre-back partner, with Ben White on the right and Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left.
Arsenal went on to win the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.
But Arteta was especially thrilled with Timber's impact throughout.
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Discussing the Dutchman's role and position change after the match, he said: "Making one change and not two.
"It’s simple, and as well there is so much chemistry in that right unit. That relationship has been there for a long time and I believe at the moment that it’s better just to touch one thing.
"Now he’s getting the rhythm because obviously he’s missed a lot of football in the last year or so.
"We’ve asked him to play in a different position than we had in mind due to the numbers and the players we have at the moment, but I’m really happy.
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Arsenal player ratings vs Man Utd
Here's how Nick Callow rated Arsenal players against Man Utd
KARL HEIN - 6: The Estonian started in top form with a wonder save from Amad, but he looked to be at fault for Hojlund’s near post opener.
BEN WHITE - 6: Relatively quiet game for Arsenal’s ever-reliable right-back. That is not a bad thing – just means he did is job effectively and did not make any mistakes.
AYDEN HEAVEN - 5: Another solid overall display by the teenager. May come in for criticism when he is older if he lets Hojlund burn past him to score, but he simply is not big enough or strong enough yet.
JURRIEN TIMBER - 7: The Dutch defender was billed as the answer to their left-back problems, but it looks like he can play anywhere and play anywhere well too.
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO - 6: The versatile Ukraine man was back on the left hand side of defence, having started as a sub against Bournemouth in midweek, and looked much improved and fitter going forward.
JORGINHO - 6: Rarely puts a foot wrong and made the most of his chance to get some minutes under his belt after not starting the midweek match against Bournemouth. Took time to look after Heaven after his error for United’s opening goal.
ETHAN NWANERI - 8: Once again showed that he is the kid to watch at Arsenal. The Premier League’s youngster ever player when he was 15 is now so much better and stronger at 17. Looked more than at home against United’s more established stars.
MARTIN ODEGAARD - 6: Clearly fitter than most having missed the Euros after Norway’s failure to qualify. The Arsenal skipper once again showed his leadership qualities on and off the ball.
LEANDRO TROSSARD - 6: The versatile Belgium forward has sussed that Arteta likes players who work very hard for the team and then have some stardust talent to sprinkle on top. He showed a bit of both on the night, without doing anything spectacular.
REISS NELSON - 6: No faulting his effort playing in the Bukayo Saka on the right hand side of the Arsenal attack, but he will have to do more to prove he can fill on for the England international on a regular basis when the season starts.
GABRIEL JESUS - 7: Fit again, for now at least, he is making the most of a restful summer after missing out on selection for Brazil’s Copa America campaign. A menace to the United backline and took his goal well.
SUBSTITUTIONS
JAKUB KIWIOR - 6: Came on for Heaven at half-time and Arsenal instantly looked more secure at the back
SALAH-EDDINE OULAD M'HAND - 6: Looked so comfortable as another half-time introduction – for the impressive Nwaneri.
JOSH NICHOLS - 6: The pint-sized full back was one of five subs introduced during the second period after he seemed to struggle against Bournemouth last time out,
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY - 6: One of Arsenal’s big hopes for the future replaced Jorginho and did not look out of place in midfield.
GABRIEL - 6: Big Gabi came on for his first pre-season appearance to try to make Arsenal more defensively secure. It worked.
FABIO VIEIRA - 6: Replaced Trossard and played mainly on the right. Had a hand in Martinelli’s winner.
THOMAS PARTEY - 6: Again looked the part in midfield after coming on for Zinchenko.
EDDIE NKETIAH - 6: Steady Eddie came on for Jesus but hardly had a touch.
GABRIEL MARTINELLI - 8: Wasted no time impressing after taking over from Nelson. Some great runs down the wing and a well taken goal.
KAI HAVERTZ - 6: Arsenal fans will be pleased to see their favourite German back in action and looking fit after a busy summer on international duty with his country.
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"Just look at him, his pressing, his leadership, his composure. He’s like a new signing for us and a big addition to the team."
Timber arrived at Arsenal following a £40million transfer from Ajax last summer.
But he ruptured his ACL on the opening day of the Premier League season and subsequently missed the entire campaign.
The defender can play multiple positions, including full-back, centre-back and holding midfield.
However, he will face competition from incoming summer signing Riccardo Calafiori this season.
The Italian defender completed a medical in London this weekend ahead of a £42million transfer from Bologna.
He will now join up with his new team-mates in America for the rest of Arsenal's pre-season tour.
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