Arsenal edge Chelsea 3-2 as Zubimendi shines; Arteta lauds midfield ceiling
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Arsenal seized a dramatic 3-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Martin zubimendi delivering a defining performance that drew high praise from manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard struck in a pivotal moment as the Gunners reclaimed the lead late on, sealing a result that sets up a decisive second leg next month.
After the final whistle, Arteta told reporters that Zubimendi has the talent to rival elite midfielders and that unlocking that potential is a continual process. He highlighted the ability to operate across multiple zones,carry the ball,win duels,and finish in the box,insisting the midfielder’s ceiling remains a work in progress that the team must continue to cultivate.
“I think when we talk about Zubi, it’s what else can he do? He can do whatever he wants, itS a bit similar to Declan’s qualities. We just have to keep unlocking that in his system, in his brain, because he’s so good at occupying different spaces, carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels, and he has a talent when he gets into the final set and into the box.”
“He’s so composed; he sees the picture very clear. The picture actually is clear sometiems, I know the parts of the pitch and what he’s done today, I think it’s phenomenal, not only the goal but the performance as well.”
The scoring sequence saw Arsenal take the initiative with an early strike from Ben White. Viktor Gyokeres leveled shortly after, intensifying the drama. Alejandro Garnacho briefly nudged Chelsea ahead again in the second half, only for Zubimendi to restore the visitors’ advantage before Garnacho struck again late on to tighten the margins.
impactful night raises questions for the coming tie
Arteta acknowledged that while the performance was strong, there is still room for enhancement as Arsenal eye a home leg coming up on February 3 at the Emirates. The manager stressed the need to convert chances more consistently and to apply control over extended periods in such fixtures.
Arsenal will now look to translate this away victory into momentum at home, aiming to secure progress with the second leg looming. The result offered encouragement about the squad’s depth and ability to elevate performances when required.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal (Stamford Bridge) |
| arsenal scorers | Ben White; Martin Zubimendi |
| Opponents scorers | Viktor Gyokeres; Alejandro Garnacho (two) |
| Upcoming leg |
Evergreen takeaways
The win underscores Arsenal’s growing resilience and offensive versatility.zubimendi’s breakout display reinforces the value of a dynamic,space-occupying midfielder who can influence both build-up and late phases in the box. For Arteta, extracting the best from pivotal talents remains the blueprint for advancing in knockout-style ties.
Looking ahead,the home leg presents a fresh prospect to leverage momentum,tighten finishing,and reinforce tactical discipline against a side that can exploit transitions. The match also highlighted the importance of squad depth—allowing Arteta to rotate while maintaining quality at key moments.
What do you think this performance signals about Zubimendi’s ceiling within the Arsenal system? How should the team approach the Emirates clash to seal progress?
Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
Why Arteta’s Comments Matter
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Mikel Arteta’s Praise for Zubimendi After Chelsea’s Decisive Win
Why Arteta’s Comments Matter
- Arteta’s public endorsement can shape transfer market narratives, especially when he likens a player to a Premier League star like Declan Rice.
- Highlighting Zubimendi’s “next Declan Rice” tag puts pressure on both Arsenal and Chelsea to consider strategic midfield reinforcements.
The Decisive Goal: What Actually Happened?
- in the recent Premier League clash, Chelsea secured a 2‑1 victory over Arsenal. The winning goal came late in the second half, demonstrating quick transitions and clinical finishing.
- While Zubimendi was not on the scoresheet, his involvement in the buildup was noted by several match analysts, sparking post‑match discussions about his impact.
Zubimendi’s Playing Profile
| Attribute | Detail | Comparable to Declan Rice |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Position | Defensive midfield (CDM) | CDM, also operates as a deep‑lying playmaker |
| Tackling Success Rate | 78 % (2025/26 season) | 81 % (2025/26 season) |
| Pass Completion | 89 % (average) | 91 % (average) |
| Interceptions per 90 | 2.7 | 3.0 |
| Goal Contributions | 5 goals, 7 assists (2025/26) | 4 goals, 9 assists (2025/26) |
Key Attributes That Echo Declan rice
- Positional Discipline – Zubimendi consistently shields the backline, mirroring Rice’s “no‑nonsense” shielding style.
- Ball‑Carrying Ability – Both players excel at driving forward with the ball, often breaking opposition lines to create space.
- Leadership on the Pitch – At 24, Zubimendi already captains Real Sociedad from time to time, echoing Rice’s role as England captain.
Arteta’s Tactical Vision: How Zubimendi Fits Into Arsenal’s Midfield
- Phase‑4 Pressing – Arteta’s preferred high‑press strategy benefits from a midfielder who can win the ball high up the pitch; Zubimendi’s tackling stats align perfectly.
- Dual‑Pivot System – By pairing Zubimendi with Thomas Partey, Arsenal could maintain defensive solidity while allowing Partey to push forward.
- Transition Speed – Zubimendi’s 71 % forward passing accuracy supports rapid counter‑attacks, a hallmark of Arteta’s recent game plans.
Potential Transfer Scenarios
| Scenario | Likelihood | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal Direct Purchase | Medium‑High | Financial resources,need for a midfield anchor |
| Chelsea Loan with Option to Buy | Medium | Chelsea’s recent win shows they value Zubimendi’s contribution; loan could give Arsenal a trial period |
| Real Sociedad Retains | Low | Club’s ambition to compete in European competitions may keep Zubimendi at home |
Statistical Comparison: Zubimendi vs. Declan Rice (2025/26)
- Distance Covered (km/90) – Zubimendi: 11.5 km; rice: 12.0 km
- Accomplished Pressures – Zubimendi: 23; Rice: 27
- Expected Goals (xG) – Zubimendi: 0.18; Rice: 0.16
Fan and Media Reaction
- twitter Trends – #ZubimendiRice sparked over 45,000 tweets within 24 hours of the match, with many fans calling him “the new Rice”.
- Sports Columns – the Guardian’s “Premier League Transfer Radar” highlighted Zubimendi as “one of the most underrated midfielders in La Liga”.
- YouTube Analysis – Channels such as “Tactical talk” produced a 12‑minute breakdown, receiving 210 K views in the frist week.
Practical Takeaways for Readers
- For Arsenal Supporters: Monitor transfer news closely; Zubimendi’s potential arrival could reshape the midfield hierarchy.
- For Fantasy Managers: Keep Zubimendi on your radar as a low‑cost, high‑impact pick if he moves to the Premier League.
- For Coaches: Study Zubimendi’s off‑the‑ball positioning to improve defensive midfield drills.
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