Vinicius Jr. Sets the Record Straight on Arsenal Defeat: “It Wasn’t Timber Who Stopped Me”
Following Arsenal’s impressive victory over Real Madrid, social media buzzed with claims that Jurrien Timber had "pocketed" Vinicius Jr., keeping the Brazilian winger unusually quiet throughout the match. However, in a recent interview, Vinicius himself has cleared the air — and his candid revelation has surprised many fans.
Known for his blistering speed and flair, Vinicius admitted that it wasn’t Timber who posed the biggest challenge during the game. Instead, he pointed to another Arsenal defender as the real obstacle he struggled to overcome.
“Ever since Arsenal managed to defeat us, there’s been this news spreading all over the internet saying Timber pocketed me,” Vinicius said. “But to be quite honest, he didn’t. It was this particular Arsenal defender that gave me a tough time – not Timber.”
Although he didn’t explicitly name the player, many believe he was referring to William Saliba. The French center-back delivered a commanding performance, showcasing exceptional positioning, strength, and composure that effectively shut down Real Madrid’s left flank — and Vinicius along with it.
Saliba’s standout display may have flown under the radar initially, but Vinicius’ comments have now redirected the spotlight. Online reactions have been swift, with fans and pundits alike praising Saliba’s maturity and class. “Saliba deserves his flowers,” one fan tweeted. “To keep Vini quiet is no small feat.”
The incident underscores Arsenal’s growing defensive strength under Mikel Arteta, with Saliba emerging as a key figure in their rise. His performance against one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers adds to his reputation as one of the continent’s top young defenders.
Vinicius Jr.’s honesty has also earned respect, with many applauding his sportsmanship for acknowledging an opponent’s quality — even in the wake of defeat.