After Arsenal's victory over Leeds, Timber stated in an interview that missing the World Cup felt truly difficult and added that Guimaraes's arrival energized the team atmosphere.

Timber said: "The Premier League is tough, every game will be tough, and every game will be different. As Arteta says, the margins are very fine, so if you want to win a game, you have to be at your best."

"Otherwise, it will be very difficult to win. That's the level now. We have no choice but to play at that standard every three or four days and be in our best form. I think the teams that consistently perform well in those fine margins throughout the season will win the league."

The margins are equally slim when competing for a starting spot. Timber came off the bench in the second half, marking his first appearance at the Emirates since March. Previously, injury had caused him to miss the title run-in and the World Cup. For Timber, reclaiming the right-back position is straightforward – deliver his best performance.

He said: "Missing an experience like that is tough. It makes you realize how lucky you are when you're fit and able to play. It's difficult when your team is competing for something so important, and you can't help in the way you want."

"But it was also a learning moment. However, that's life, and I feel I got through it in the end. So did we. We became champions, which is fantastic. This team has certain standards and demands for everyone, and that's what we expect from each other. If you want to play, everyone has to be at their best."

"There's no need for extra motivation. You just have to be at your best, and if you can't, you won't play. It's that simple."

Timber added: "I thought Guimaraes was fantastic after coming on as a substitute. He changed the energy, the atmosphere, everything about the game."

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