Jurrien Timber has admitted Arsenal need to “address and talk about” the anxiety they are feeling when attempting to clinch victory in the closing stages of games.
The Gunners edged past Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday but needed goalkeeper David Raya to pull off a 92nd-minute save to deny Alejandro Garnacho at the death.
Since the turn of the year, Arsenal have conceded late goals against Wolves, Brentford and Manchester United which have cost them points and Timber admitted the scare against Chelsea was “unnecessary”.
“You feel it, especially at the end,” said Timber on Sunday evening when asked about the pressure on the team when seeing out games.
“We stopped playing a bit [against Chelsea], which was unnecessary – especially with a man up. It’s something we need to work on, talk about as well.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Arsenal’s match against Chelsea in the Premier League
“It happened a couple of times this season already. We put so much effort into the game, especially in the first half, and you have to go up 1-0 or 2-0, but these things happen – especially against a good team like Chelsea.
“It’s part of the game, you have to understand what happens in the moment. The energy within the players and the crowd, the anxiety. It’s something we need to address and talk about.”
The win over Chelsea kept Arsenal five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand, but Timber says the Gunners cannot start thinking the title is any closer despite there being just nine games to go for them.
“I heard it was nine games to go but it still feels so far off because we’re playing in Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup,” he added. “Game by game. If we look too far ahead, it becomes a bit a bit too much.”
‘It can define a season’ – Timber’s praise for Raya
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David Raya pulls off a magnificent late save to maintain Arsenal’s lead against Chelsea
Timber was full of praise for Raya, who had a standout game in goal against Chelsea.
In the first half, he made a superb stop to prevent a Declan Rice own goal off the Arsenal midfielder’s elbow, then made three second-half saves, including a two-handed grab to deny Joao Pedro from point-blank range. That all came before his heroics to deny Garnacho in injury time.
“David is amazing,” said Timber. “Often he shows that he wins us games. He has a lot of magic moments. He’s a great character and a leader in our group.
“He made a good save, [there were] some good defensive actions as well with Big Gabi [Gabriel]. These actions you need in the game, they can define a season.”
Arsenal’s next six fixtures – including a cup final!
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, live on Sky Sports
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, live on Sky Sports
