Gabriel Agbonlahor says ‘outstanding’ Arsenal player is undroppable after Man City game

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Arsenal and Manchester City shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in what turned out to be one of the most eventful games of the new Premier League season.

Erling Haaland broke the deadlock in the ninth minute, but the Gunners responded through Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes to take control of the game before the interval.

However, John Stones equalised with virtually the last kick of the game to prevent Arsenal from leaving the Etihad Stadium with all three points.

After Leandro Trossard’s first-half dismissal, the Gunners produced one of the best defensive performances of the new season to contain Man City, although the Cityzens did find a late goal.

Several Arsenal players impressed, but Gabriel Agbonlahor singled out Jurrien Timber for special praise for his exploits at the back.

Gabby Agbonlahor says Jurrien Timber simply cannot be dropped by Arsenal

Starting in place of Ben White at right-back, the Dutch international stood his ground with an assured display as Man City attacked relentlessly, particularly in the second half.

Agbonlahor believes the 22-year-old is now undroppable and included him in his Premier League Team of the Week.

“Calafiori scored, but Timber was rock solid. There was a stat from the game that he didn’t complete one accurate pass, but that doesn’t matter,” Agbonlahor said on talkSPORT.

“His job was to defend, clear the ball, old-school defending. Getting tight to a dangerous Doku, and I thought he was outstanding. He really is a great signing, and you can see why Arsenal missed him last season.

“There’s no talk of Zinchenko, no one’s even mentioning that because Timber is a must in that Arsenal defence. Rock solid.”

Gary Neville also lauded Timber for his performance against Man City as he defended resolutely against arguably the best team in world football.

Troy Deeney, on the other hand, believes Timber is better suited to playing right-back than on the opposite side, which is an interesting observation as he has played in both positions this season.

Arteta spoilt for choice in defence

William Saliba and Gabriel are undisputed starters at the heart of the backline, but Arsenal can afford to chop and change when it comes to the full-back positions as they have a lot of quality and versatility.

Timber played as a right-back against Man City but is also capable of playing on the left side, while the likes of White and Calafiori can play in central defense.

Arteta has several world-class options to choose from at the back, but with Timber in such fantastic form, it remains to be seen if he keeps his place in the team.

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