Zubimendi Has Lost His Starting Role at Arsenal
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Football has a short memory. One day you’re on cloud nine, and in the blink of an eye, you become the target of those who were cheering you yesterday. That’s exactly what’s happening to Martín Zubimendi. The midfielder lost his untouchable status at Arsenal in a matter of days. Despite being named MVP in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Sporting on April 15, he has since been dropped from the starting lineup and is now on a streak of three consecutive bench appearances.
The Basque player was once seen as the metronome that Mikel Arteta needed. A refined, intelligent, reliable, and safe midfielder, both on and off the ball, thanks to his anticipation. Through a series of standout performances—including the Euro final—he made it clear he was forging his own path, not as the ‘new Rodri’ but simply as himself.
However, his recent form has raised more questions than answers, drawing criticism in recent weeks. The harshest critique came from former Manchester United player and now pundit Gary Neville: “At the start of the season, I thought Zubimendi was a great signing. He’s been a good player for Arsenal, but right now I expected him to be the key player.”
**Substitute… and Substituted 40 Minutes Later**
The former Real Sociedad academy product was once again left out of the starting lineup at the London Stadium, though he was forced onto the pitch in the 28th minute after Ben White’s injury. The surprising moment came later: he was replaced by Kai Havertz in the 67th minute, having only been on the field for 40 minutes.
Summerville and Zubimendi battle for the ball at the London Stadium
/ DANIEL HAMBURY / EFE
“It’s never easy to do that to a player, especially someone with Martín’s quality,” Arteta lamented, justifying his decision: “The substitution of Zubi was tough, but I really felt we needed to put two attacking midfielders on at that moment to create problems and danger. As a coach, you have to be cold and do what the game demands to win. Thankfully, it worked out.”
Arteta wanted to revert to the initial game plan and didn’t hesitate to withdraw Zubimendi. The midfielder, signed for €70 million, has shown his attacking prowess in north London: six goals and three assists in 54 appearances. “I had in mind to improve in this aspect,” he had guaranteed.
**Henry Defends Arteta**
Arteta tried Lewis-Skelly in the double pivot against Fulham and, seeing the success, decided to reward the academy graduate with continuity against Atlético. A tactical shift that Thierry Henry praised: “I didn’t see Zubimendi doing that often: the legs, the anticipation, stopping someone… making the opponent feel you’re there all the time.”
Lewis-Skelly in the match against PSG
/ @OptaJoe
“There’s a fundamental difference between the Arsenal we’ve seen in recent weeks. No disrespect to Zubimendi, he’s a cautious player. But Lewis-Skelly’s first thought is to turn and look forward quickly. I think that really allows Arsenal to advance faster,” added Gary Lineker.
