And that was evidenced by Arsenal dominating the clash with Leandro Trossard scoring the opener with a clever and accurate finish from just inside the box just before half time. Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina both went close to getting on the score sheet for the hosts but it was Arsenal who grabbed the second of the game with captain Martin Odegaard finishing from a tight angle deep into added time.
The win took Mikel Arteta's side up to 74 points and above Manchester City although Liverpool can match that total with victory against Fulham later on Sunday. Despite concerns over fatigue, Arteta made just three changes to his starting XI with Jakub Kiwior one to return in place of Takehiro Tomiyasu due to the latter's knock picked up against Bayern.
Arsenal have been fortunate regarding injuries recently with Jurrien Timber often the only player in the treatment room, but even he is close to a return. The Netherlands international has been in team training for a number of weeks and Arteta has now confirmed exactly when his return will come.
“He’s going to play a game with the under-21s [against Blackburn on Monday] and after that we will see better where he is, how he felt,” Arteta revealed in a press conference on Friday. “He looks really good in training but it’s that last step now. We need to have the certainty that he’s ready to go.
Following Arteta's admission, Timber appears very excited to get back playing with the versatile defender sending a clear message to his team-mates. On Instagram, immediately after the victory, he reposted Arsenal's full-time graphic with two clapping hands emojis.
Timber featuring again this season could be huge for Arsenal and Arteta as the final day of the season approaches. The Gunners close out their campaign against Everton on Sunday, May 19 and if Timber can get through Monday's clash unscathed he could play again before the summer.
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