Jurrien Timber has sounded a measured note of caution amid the growing optimism surrounding Arsenal’s performance this season, urging his teammates to resist getting carried away as they extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
With Arsenal now enjoying a four-point cushion after a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace, Timber reminded players, fans and observers that the title race remains long and full of variables.
It has been a strong spell for Arsenal. Alongside the win over Crystal Palace, they recorded a third successive UEFA Champions League victory with a 4-0 rout of Atlético Madrid, and their defence has been especially impressive, registering just three goals conceded in their opening 13 matches across all competitions, with the shut-out against Palace being the fifth in a row.
Despite the encouraging form, Timber delivered a reminder of the pitfalls of complacency. “It is good to stay neutral, and not to get too high,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve been doing well, but it’s still early in the season, and we just have to keep getting better game by game.”
He further noted: “The next game is already in three days … the next Premier League game … is going to be tough as well. So, let’s keep our feet on the ground and keep working hard, and then from there, we’ll see what happens.”
Timber, 24, who has become a more integral component of Mikel Arteta’s squad, emphasised that the club’s defensive record is not solely down to one player but a collective foundation to build upon.
“Everyone plays a part in it, but it’s a good thing and a good foundation to build on,” he said. “From that standard, you just have to keep getting better and be consistent in what we do, and then throughout the whole season, hopefully we’ll turn it into something beautiful.”
He added: “It gives you confidence, and it shows that we’re doing really well… if it’s for multiple games in a row, it says something about consistency. We just have to keep improving, and look at what we can do better, but also take that feeling with you… and go into the next game with the same mindset.”
The message from Timber is timely. With Arsenal having posted seven consecutive wins in all competitions and enjoying a standing six points ahead of Manchester City and seven ahead of reigning champions Liverpool, the momentum is firmly on their side.
Yet Timber’s insistence on remaining grounded speaks to the realities of a grueling Premier League campaign, one where form fluctuates, rivals regroup and pressure intensifies as the season progresses.
Statistically, the signs are positive. Arsenal’s defence has become a key pillar of their campaign, and their ability to grind out narrow wins while maintaining defensive solidity is a hallmark of title-contending teams. Timber’s words reinforce the club’s internal culture: focus, consistency and awareness of the workload ahead rather than premature celebration.