Jurrien Timber was overheard instructing Enzo Maresca to ‘try harder’ as the pair came together in the closing stages of Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates.
In a match of few clear-cut chances, Mikel Merino’s 20th-minute header proved the difference, with the visitors offering very little by way of response against their bitter rivals.
It was a welcome return to winning ways for hosts Arsenal, who had drawn two and lost one of their previous three Premier League games, and the result saw Mikel Arteta’s men reduce Liverpool’s lead at the top to 12 points.
Meanwhile, Chelsea – who were without the injured Cole Palmer – are left to lick their wounds again having seemingly turned a corner with four straight wins in all competitions prior to their trip to north London.
Maresca cut a frustrated figure on the touchline for the most part and with the minutes ticking down, the Italian was seen exchanging a few choice words with Arsenal defender Timber.
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The exact details of the chat were something of a mystery at the time, with Arsenal and Chelsea supporters left scratching their heads over what the duo could possibly have been discussing in the heat of battle with crucial points at stake.
But pitch-side microphones did manage to pick up Timber’s side of the conversation and Gooners may enjoy what the Dutchman had to say to the Chelsea manager before the pair eventually decided to shake hands.
‘Try harder! Try harder! Congratulations,’ Timber barked after Maresca appeared to accuse him of going down too easily following a shove in the back from Enzo Fernandez.
Timber was one of Arsenal’s standout performers on the day and remained on the pitch for the entirety as the Gunners extended their winless run over Chelsea to six matches.
The Blues’ last win over the north Londoners came way back in August 2021, when goals from Romelu Lukaku and Reece James sealed Thomas Tuchel’s side a 2-0 victory away from home.
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But despite Chelsea’s latest setback, Maresca insisted his squad were still progressing in the ‘right direction’.
‘We struggled a little bit at the beginning, the first 20 minutes,’ he told reporters at his post-match press conference.
‘After that we started to control the game and create some chances.
‘The game was 50-50 in the second half. The big difference was set-piece strategy.
‘We competed well, the game was there. They scored a set-piece, they are masters at that.
‘It is a shame, but my feeling is that we are going in the right direction.’
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