Timber happy to return as Arsenal record Calafiori and Guimaraes goals

Defender Jurrien Timber, 25, said he was delighted to return to the Emirates Stadium after a seven‑month spell away from Arsenal’s home ground, following Saturday’s match that produced a host of firsts for the club. He noted Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes each scored their inaugural goals there, while he himself made his first appearance at the venue in months.

First goals and debutants at the Emirates

Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes both opened their Arsenal scoring accounts at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Guimaraes also marked his first competitive appearance for the Gunners at the ground. The match also saw Jurrien Timber step onto the pitch at the stadium for the first time since his long‑term injury lay‑off.

Timber’s last outing at the Emirates came in March, after which his only other appearance in the 2025/26 season was the Champions League final in Budapest. He later returned to action for Arsenal in Sunderland and earned his first start of the campaign against Brighton. Consequently, before being substituted on against Leeds United, he had not played in front of the home crowd for almost seven months.

“I’m happy to be back,” Timber told. “I haven’t been here in like seven months, playing at home. The mood is good and we just need to keep going. In two days we have an amazing game again, in the Champions League, in front of our crowd, so really excited.”

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Timber backs Arteta’s long‑term vision

Timber also praised manager Mikel Arteta, whose contract the club extended to 2030. “I don’t even need to explain what he’s done with the club,” he said. “He changed it and he’s not planning to stop soon, so we’ll back him. I’m happy the club extended his contract and a lot of amazing years to come with him.”

Ben White and Timber have both been sidelined by injuries this season, but are now available for the Leeds United clash. White supplied the equalising goal, while Timber’s introduction helped Arsenal pull ahead to secure the win. The coaching staff hope the duo can remain fit throughout October and beyond.

A photo taken on Saturday captured the jubilant scenes as the Gunners celebrated the milestones. Timber concluded that the positive vibes in the dressing room will be crucial as Arsenal prepare for their next Champions League fixture.