Jurrien Timber admits Arsenal ‘don’t know what to expect’ from Man Utd ahead of Premier League opener

ARSENAL star Jurrien Timber reckons the Premier League fixture computer was in a mischievous mood when it picked Gunners’ first six matches.

Last season, Mikel Arteta’s men had to face Tottenham and Manchester City early on.

But this time it is even tougher as Sunday’s Old Trafford battle with Manchester United is just the start of a seriously tricky opening set of games.

After Leeds at home next Saturday, Arsenal visit champions Liverpool, are at home to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, followed by a trip to Newcastle.

Defender Timber grinned: “It is a tough beginning, isn’t it? I think last season we had a tough start.

“It can go both ways. If you start well, it can be amazing. That is the challenge.

“Personally, when the programme comes out for the first time you think, ‘oh, that is a tough start’.

“And then, for a whole week you are just talking about Manchester United. Not the game against City. It is so far away. The whole week has been about Manchester United. Not even Leeds or Liverpool.

“United have got some good players. They have a great squad and great manager.

“Last season we had a tough game away there and it will be tough again on Sunday — but also because they have new players, you don’t know what to expect.

“That’s the thing with the Premier League that I find so impressive.

“Every team is getting stronger every year. United were 14th last year and you look at that team and think, ‘how is that possible?’. Everyone is expecting a lot from them.

“Chelsea are looking amazing and there are so many good teams, it is going to be tough for sure.

“That’s why it is so important to focus on ourselves and believe in what we can do.

“We can’t look at too many teams and what is happening around the league. I don’t think that would be good for us or for anyone.”

After finishing as runners-up three years in a row and adding Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer, Timber admits the pressure is on Arteta’s players.

The Dutchman, 24, said: “Arsenal have shown that we will always be fighting for the title. Also every year they are trying to strengthen the squad, this summer as well.

“We have an amazing group and a group to do amazing things. We will give everything, like every season — this season is not going to be any different.

“You can tell we are close, it is just that last step. There is nothing more you can do than just fight for it all the way.

“We have the manager for it, we have the team for it, we have the club for it.

“That is why everyone is so excited to give it all because we know we have the chance.

“You always need a bit of luck but in the end last season we just weren’t good enough. Liverpool were better so we are trying to make that difference this season.

“You play so many games and you have to stay so sharp. You also need a big squad of players with so many games coming.

“It’s not just the league, it’s the Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup. It’s fun and exciting and I can’t wait to start again.”