Three things we learned at the Emirates: Why Timber could push White out at right back

PSG learned the hard way that playing a false nine against Saliba and Gabriel will result in some harsh truths

FULLY COVERED: Arsenal's Jurrien Timber (left) and Paris Saint Germain's Lee Kang-In battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Jurrien Timber could soon be Arsenal’s first-choice right-back – at Ben White’s expense 

Timber was impressive in the first half against talented Barcolo, who had scored six goals in six games for PSG this season, but struggled to make an impact.

The Arsenal warrior conceded few opportunities and matched everything his rival did, including coming out on top in a classic one-on-one battle after 25 minutes.

Timber, who has played left-back in previous matches this season, was given a rest when taken off in the second half and that only served to underline his growing stature, given that sub Kiwior was nowhere near the same standard.

With Riccardo Calafiori chosen at left-back this time, is there a way back for White, who was possibly the best right-back in the Premier League last season? Calafiori, too, looked comfortable, even if occasionally caught out for pace by PSG wing-back Hakimi.

Whatever happens, you suspect, Timber will be first choice in one of the two full-back positions.

Don’t play a false nine against Saliba and Gabriel 

PSG went for Lee Kang-in to fill the gap left by Ousmane Dembele, who was told to stay home following a set-to with manager Luis Enrique, and that made it too easy for Arsenal in the first half.

With Lee preferring to drop deep rather than give the Arsenal centre-backs a challenge, it was plain sailing for the Gunners until Randal Kolo Muani arrived in the second half to provide a more serious challenge.

That helped the visitors create one or two problems at set-pieces and at least gave the French side a way to move higher up the pitch.

It also meant that Saliba and Gabriel could no longer wander unchallenged into midfield and create opportunities for others.

Arsenal’s defence is good enough for a crack at the trophy 

PSG under-performed at the Emirates, even if they did step things up a little after the break, but Arsenal were comfortable and their defence looked steady and unhurried despite coming up against so much young attacking talent.

It’s worth remembering that this was PSG’s first defeat of the season, but there was never a point in the match when Arsenal looked in danger, and that augurs well for the remainder of the tournament.

With David Raya now in imperious form, (Timber showing how good he really is, and Saliba and Gabriel continuing to grow in stature, this is becoming a defence that can win trophies.