In a match many expected him to shine, showing Liverpool what they missed out on, Martin Zubimendi struggled to leave a mark as Arsenal lost to the Reds at Anfield.
Zubimendi vs Liverpool
Tasked with injecting defensive solidity into Arsenal’s midfield, the Spaniard failed to play to his strengths and looked off the pace throughout. He won just one of eight ground duels (Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch won four out of five), failed to make a single tackle, was dribbled past three times, and committed three fouls, one of which led to the free-kick that produced the winning goal.
What the media said about Zubimendi
Zubimendi’s performance has drawn widespread reaction from the media. Here’s how it has been received:
Givemesport: “A decent but unremarkable performance from the Spaniard. Dropped deep and tried to link play, but didn’t really get his team going. Then conceded the free-kick which led to Liverpool’s winner.”
FootballLondon: “Broke up play well in the middle of the park but lacked the turnover frequency seen at Old Trafford. However, he gave away the free-kick that proved costly, providing the chance for Szoboszlai to score.”
Daily Star: “Another subdued afternoon for the Spanish midfielder in what turned out to be a challenging contest in the centre of the pitch.”
NBC Sports “Certainly wasn’t poor but failed to assert himself in the second half. Gave away the central free-kick that produced Szoboszlai’s winner.”
Hopefully, this was just one bad day at the office for Zubimendi. He will be looking to use the international break to reflect, recharge, and return to the form that had Gooners excited before that unremarkable outing at Anfield.
Your thoughts on Zubimendi Gooners? Just an off day at Anfield?
Daniel O
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Doesn’t look like the premiership winning holding midfield we needed. Sorry but true. I know some people in Madrid, who told me, there was no way, they wanted him in their team. And was ecstatic we got him over them. Their reasons, I see why. Diminutive and not a natural tackler. Not a Partey or Rice replacement. He was 100% Artetas choice. Big shoes to fill, Partey controlled that position and was a bully. Zubimendi is definitely not.
Reggie – Remember how we were told that he will be the solution to our nonexistent left side of the field. The narrative was that he will be good as Xhaka and will bring back Martinelli back to life. I think he will continue to struggle against physical midfield like Newcastle and pool.
To me, if a player looks to be trying too hard and not achieving their goal, then they are struggling. He looks like everything he is doing, he is trying hard. Rice will have to go back to 6. If Arteta sticks with this type of formation too long, we will be left behind.
Reggie, at 5′ 11″ , Zubemendi can hardly be described as “diminutive” which would be appropriste for someone like me at 5′ 7″ ? Seriously though i think you are being rather harsh on Zubemendi after only a few games into the season although, like you and many others, i was a great admirer of Partey who had a “presence” which the Spaniard will never have.
Agree Grandad but he looks small against premier league midfielders. I hope i am wrong but i still think Rice needs to play there. Maybe Zubimendi would do better in the 8 position. Not the 6.
We have a player as good as Partey, Rice.