Jurrien Timber insists Arsenal must not lose sight of their title push following their setback against Aston Villa last weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the Villa Park last Saturday, marking their second defeat of the season as they have won just once in their last three league outings.
It also ended their 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions and a first defeat since the 1-0 loss to Liverpool in August.
Manchester City’s 3-0 demolition of Sunderland later that day also reduced their lead at the top of the standings to just two points, with 23 rounds of matches left to play.
Timber, who played in the center-back position instead of the usual right-back role due to the multiple injuries to the squad, maintains that they must remain focus ahead of their remaining matches.
“I think in the end you need to use it as a motivation and in the end as a strength, because it happened and we need to accept it and we need to get better,” he said.
“At the same time, within the season, I think these moments happen, set-backs, and you just have to step up after that.”
The Gunners must bounce back from the disappointment as they chase a first league title since the ‘Invincibles’ in the 2003-04 season.
They have also finished second in the league for the last three consecutive campaigns and must improve to win a long-awaited one this campaign.
“Yes, it is [a disruption], I think we have a great squad. I think players that come in always do really good, but obviously it’s not always easy”, Timber continued.
“We can’t play every week with the same players and if players go out again, it’s tough. But I think it’s also part of… it happens within the season.
“I think it happens at every club. With us it’s the same and we just have to manage that with and win our games.”
Arsenal face Belgian side Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, hoping to bounce back from the defeat to Aston Villa.
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