Jurrien Timber has challenged Arsenal to rewrite their season’s story as they prepare for a critical Champions League last-16 first leg against PSV Eindhoven.
With the Premier League title race slipping away, the European campaign now represents their best opportunity for silverware.
Having fallen 13 points behind Liverpool with only 11 games remaining, Arsenal arrive in Eindhoven under pressure to deliver a statement performance without many of their statement players.
Timber, who previously played in the Eredivisie before his €40m move to north London, believes this fixture provides the perfect opportunity to shift momentum.
“Tomorrow is a beautiful game to change the narrative and to win,” Timber said. “We change the narrative by winning games, it’s as easy as that. We have to score tomorrow, we have to win games, and I think in the Champions League you only have two games.
“We have so much quality in our group. But I think it is a beautiful challenge for us as a team to put our front players, or anyone, in the best position to score goals. Hopefully, we are going to show that tomorrow.”
While Arsenal seek to prove themselves on the biggest stage, PSV winger Ivan Perisic has questioned their ability to do so.
Perisic, who had a brief spell at Tottenham Hotspur, believes his side can exploit Arsenal’s recent struggles and build on their own strong home form.
“Arsenal often lacked that one bit to win something last year,” said Perisic. “We have to be fully prepared, then we have a good chance to beat them.
“It will be a tough game against a young team with a strong coach. But I believe in our team and we have to play at our best. When you hear the Champions League anthem, it gives something special.”
The pressure is mounting for Mikel Arteta’s side, but as Timber insists, they have the chance to flip the script, and a strong result in Eindhoven will set the tone for the remainder of their European journey.