‘They are always missing something’ – Arsenal taunted by PSV’s ex-Spurs star as Timber urges side to ‘change narrative’
TOTTENHAM old boy Ivan Perisic has taunted Arsenal ahead of their “big moment” in the Champions League.
The PSV winger claims the modern Gunners are “always missing something” – after going five years without silverware.
Perisic’s verdict before Tuesday’s last-16 first leg came as Jurrien Timber urged his Arsenal team-mates to “change the narrative” after a jarring run of poor form and injuries.
And boss Mikel Arteta insists “now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want”.
But with the Gunners still missing big names, the words of Perisic, who was with fierce rivals Spurs from 2022-2024, might hit a nerve.
The Croatian legend, 36, said: “It’s going to be tough. They are a really, really good team, a young team with a good coach.
“But over the last years they are always missing something to step up to win something.
“I know we’re going to have a good chance to beat them.
” I really believe in my team. Tactically we have to be at the top level to show something good against them.”
Arsenal co-owner Josh Kroenke visited their London Colney training ground on Monday, before the squad flew to Eindhoven for the tie.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
It follows a damaging week in the Prem title race – collecting just one point from games against West Ham and Nottingham Forest to leave the North Londoners 13 points off leaders Liverpool.
Asked about Kroenke’s visit, Arteta said: “I am very happy to have him around. He is around a lot of times for big moments.
“He really wants to be with the team and it is great to have him.
“Regardless of where you are in the league, when you come to this stage of the Champions League, it is something else. You feel it in the atmosphere and the energy of the players.
“It is something else, in a moment where you are in or you are out. It gives you urgency and gets the best out of you.
“It’s a game that really brings a different energy. It’s a competition that puts everybody on their toes.
“We’ve done a lot already this season here and now is the moment to start to make another strong step in the direction that we want. I am very excited for the game.”
Arsenal are in the middle of a fitness crisis following season-ending knocks to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are targeting returns next month.
It has left them incredibly short up top, with midfielder Mikel Merino forced to deputise as a No.9 in the last three league games – scoring twice off the bench in a 2-0 win at Leicester.
But the past two outings with Merino starting as a striker has seen Arsenal fail to score in a 1-0 loss to the Hammers and a goalless draw at the City Ground – the first time they have failed to find the net in back-to-back league games since May 2023.
With the league all but wrapped up for Arne Slot’s Reds, Arsenal must now see the Champions League as their one and only chance to win silverware this term.
Arsenal finished the competition’s new 36-team league phase format in third with six wins, one draw and one defeat – just two points off Liverpool in top-spot.
And Timber is sick of the negativity around the team.
The Dutch defender said: “It is a beautiful game to change the narrative and win.
“The motivation is there and it’s an amazing competition to play in.
“We showed as well in the group stages that we did really well and we have a good team. We have so much quality in our group.”
Arsenal will play Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid should they advance to the quarter finals, but Arteta is not willing to look too far ahead.
The Spanish coach added: “The reality is, being a coach, I just look at what is ahead.
“It’s an ambition. It’s PSV, being better than them, to have the right to win the game. That’s where we are.”