Timber reveals Madueke's instruction before opening goal vs Lille
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Jurrien Timber has explained exactly how his opening goal against Lille came about, and it turns out Noni Madueke played a bigger role than anyone realised.
Timber struck first in Arsenal's 3-0 Champions League win over Lille, breaking the deadlock against a side that had set up to frustrate the Gunners and take something from the match. It was far from the Dutchman's usual contribution. Primarily a defender, Timber's instinct in advanced areas is typically to find a teammate rather than shoot himself.
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This time was different, and he credits Madueke for that.
'Noni was screaming shoot'
Speaking after the final whistle, quoted by BBC Live, Timber detailed the moment that led to his goal.
“I had some moments in the first half but second half I had more. First touch was good, which was half the job, and then Noni was screaming 'shoot' so I thought OK I have to shoot. And then yeah it went in nice,” he said.
“I wasn't thinking too much. I saw the goal and thought I need to shoot. We needed that first goal, we were playing well just needed the goal. Happy to get that for the team.”
Timber had already found pockets of space in the first half before his involvement increased after the break. When the chance arrived, Madueke's shout from close by appears to have settled any hesitation, and the defender's strike found the net to put Arsenal in front.
Goals from all over the pitch
The breakthrough set the tone for a comfortable night, with Arsenal adding two further goals to seal a 3-0 victory over a Lille side that had been determined to stay in the contest.
Timber's willingness to shoot rather than look for an extra pass is a reminder that Arsenal's goals this season are not solely reliant on the forward line. Against teams that sit deep and limit space in the final third, contributions from defenders and midfielders can be the difference between a frustrating draw and a routine win.
It was a straightforward exchange between two teammates, but one that directly shaped the outcome of a Champions League fixture. Timber's instincts, nudged along by Madueke's encouragement, gave Arsenal exactly what they needed at the right moment.
Arsenal will look to carry that attacking contribution from across the squad into their next set of fixtures as the season continues.
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