Martin Zubimendi’s drop in form has come as quite a shock following his brilliant start to life at Arsenal; however, against West Ham, the midfielder once again struggled.
For Arsenal, it was another hugely successful day as they restored their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
TRUE or FALSE: Arsenal MUST upgrade on Martin Zubimendi this summer?
Leandro Trossard produced the only goal of the game in the 83rd minute, although the Gunners’ blushes were spared after VAR controversially disallowed Callum Wilson’s stoppage-time equaliser.
But for Zubimendi, it was another tough afternoon in an Arsenal shirt as the midfielder was subbed on and off after spending just 39 minutes on the pitch.
Martin Zubimendi was very poor during West Ham vs Arsenal
Once again, Martin Zubimendi was very poor for Arsenal as the midfielder seriously struggled in their 1-0 win over West Ham United.
Unfortunately, Zubimendi playing poorly has become a common occurrence over recent weeks, and it’s no wonder Mikel Arteta has dropped him.
The Spanish midfielder has seen his place in the team taken by Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been excellent during the last three matches.
Zubimendi’s last ten matches have seen him score over a 7.0 game rating on Sofascore on just two occasions.
During the win at the London Stadium, Zubimendi was introduced for Ben White, as Arteta opted for a reshuffle of his team.
Gary Neville spotted that Arsenal’s midfield was a real issue and said: “Things are happening that I would not like if I were Mikel Arteta. Zubimendi keeps getting dragged over on the side.”
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Declan Rice was moved out of the midfield and into right-back; however, it became quickly apparent that without the 27-year-old, the Gunners just had no control in the middle of the pitch.
In 39 minutes, Zubimendi managed just 38 touches, completed 32 passes and won just one of his five duels.
Eventually, after 67 minutes and the game swinging into West Ham’s favour, Arteta opted to bring off the Spanish international and bring on Kai Havertz.
Just a few months back, Zubimendi was one of the first names on the team sheet; however, he now looks like a player who cannot be trusted.
Martin Zubimendi must play with greater courage
The only way Zubimendi can return to the Arsenal line-up and avoid being sold in the summer is by playing with greater courage.
The 26-year-old never seems comfortable with receiving the ball deep and then looking to progress it forward for the Gunners.
Andrea Berta paid £51 million to bring him to the Emirates Stadium last summer, and already he is having to think about finding an upgrade.
With the Champions League final less than three weeks away now, Zubimendi faces a serious battle to regain his spot in the team.
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