Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
Arsenal took on Athletic Club in their final pre-season game ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season. The Gunners came away with 3-0 win in front of the home Emirates crowd.
Viktor Gyokeres got off the mark for his new team, netting a fine header in the 34th minute. Bukayo Saka then doubled the home team’s lead just two minutes later, finishing into an empty net after a slick move put Gabriel Martinelli through on goal.
In the second half, there were plenty of interesting moments, but Arsenal were unable to add to their score until the 83rd minute when Kai Havertz kept his cool to score a third, sealing the 3-0 victory.
Regardless of the result, though, one of the key talking points from the friendly was the performance of Martin Zubimendi. Indeed, the Arsenal midfielders’ performance sparked plenty of positive reactions online.
Zubimendi Dazzles vs Athletic Club
Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad in the summer and was making just his second appearance at the Emirates, but already looks like a perfect fit in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
Notably, journalist Art de Roche of the Athletic was blown away by the Spaniard’s ability off the ball, as much as what he provided on it. He wrote:
“Zubimendi’s obviously a very smooth operator at the base of midfield, but it’s also been good to see how willing/capable he is of putting a foot in defensively too.”
The no.36 finished the game with one assist, 93% accurate passes, 1/1 cross complete, 5/6 long balls, 4/5 ground duels, 1/1 aerial duels, won four tackles, and managed one interception, while only losing the ball four times in what was a remarkable outing.
Fans Offer Verdict on Zubimendi’s Display
Typically, fans online weren’t shy when it came to voicing their opinions on Zubimendi’s efforts during the win against Athletic Club. One remarked:
‘Zubimendi is incredible!! The tackles, the movements, the passes, the vision, the communication… everything is world class! TOP TOP player.’
Another chimed in with: ‘I am SO IMPRESSED by Zubimendi, OH MY, WOW is he good, just incredible. I knew Gyokeres would be incredible, and I knew Zubimendi would also be good, just didn’t know he would be that good.’
A third wrote: ‘Zubimendi a rare diamond.’ Another wrote: ‘Zubimendi might be the best player in the world.’
On his assist for Gyokeres’ goal, somebody said: ‘Na all jokes aside, that Zubimendi cross has almost made me emotional. He didn’t even think about it.’
Another added: ‘Zubimendi has saved this club.’ While a final fan simply concluded: ‘Zubimendi, holy mother of upgrade.’
Stats via SofaScore
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
Comments are closed.