‘Many levels to go’: Arteta expects ‘exceptional’ Arsenal star to improve further, not Nwaneri | OneFootball

Arsenal will be aiming for back-to-back Premier League wins when they take on West Ham United at the London Stadium this evening.

The Gunners have been in good form since the international break with convincing victories over Nottingham Forest and Sporting CP.

They face the Hammers on the road today and ahead of the London derby, manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Jurrien Timber.

Arteta said: “Yes, and that level as well. We know what he can produce, he’s a player with exceptional qualities, a lot of leadership.

“You see the courage, and the intention and purpose that he plays with.

“That’s very contagious. He’s a player that still has many layers and levels to go so I’m very happy to have him.”

Timber made just two league appearances for the Gunners last season. The 23-year-old picked up a serious knee injury during the curtain-raiser.

However, the versatile star has largely stayed injury-free in the current campaign and has started to replicate the performances from his Ajax days.

The Dutchman started as a regular left-back for the Gunners, but he is now playing on the right side of the back four after Ben White’s knee surgery.

Timber looks most comfortable from the right-back role. He has been superb with his link-up play alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard this month.

He missed out on a goal against Forest due to a close offside decision, but was brilliant versus Sporting CP where he provided an early assist for Gabriel Martinelli.

The Ajax graduate looks set for a prolonged run at right-back with White not expected to return for a while. He could reportedly be out for three months.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are nine points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool in the league and they have a perfect opportunity to make up ground with a win at West Ham.

The Reds face a testing challenge against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. City are on a dreadful six-game winless streak and will be determined to make amends.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com