Jurrien Timber admitted Arsenal need to tackle the nerves that creep in when they try to close out matches.
The defender spoke after Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a game that was only sealed by David Raya’s dramatic 92nd-minute stop to deny Alejandro Garnacho. Timber pointed out that since the turn of the year the Gunners have dropped points after late goals conceded to Wolves, Brentford and Manchester United, calling the late scare against Chelsea “unnecessary.” He said the team “stopped playing a bit” despite having a numerical advantage and that the squad must work on and talk through how to handle those tense moments.
Timber described the mood swings that come in tight finishes — the players’ energy, the crowd’s anxiety — and stressed the importance of understanding and addressing what happens in those moments so the team can avoid repeating costly lapses.
The win left Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand, but Timber warned the squad not to get carried away with the gap. With nine Premier League games remaining and ongoing commitments in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, he urged a game-by-game focus rather than looking too far ahead.
Timber was full of praise for Raya, whose performance was decisive. The goalkeeper produced a superb first-half stop to prevent what might have been an own goal by Declan Rice, then made three crucial second-half saves — including a two-handed block on Joao Pedro — before the late save on Garnacho. Timber called Raya “amazing,” highlighting the goalkeeper’s knack for delivering match-defining moments and the leadership he brings to the group. He also credited defensive contributions from Gabriel and others, noting those actions can be season-defining.
Arsenal’s next six fixtures:
March 4: Brighton (A), Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
March 7: Mansfield Town (A), FA Cup fifth round, kick-off 12.30pm
March 11: Bayer Leverkusen (A), Champions League last 16 first leg, kick-off 5.45pm
March 14: Everton (H), Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm
March 17: Bayer Leverkusen (H), Champions League last 16 second leg, kick-off 8pm
March 22: Man City (N), Carabao Cup final, Wembley, kick-off 4.30pm