Have Gooners Been Unfair On Martin Zubimendi? – Opinion

A Victim Of His Own Success?

Up until May, Zubimendi had played more minutes than any other Gunner.

Think about that for a moment.

Someone used to a winter break every year, at that point in his career and in his first campaign, was not just settling into a new culture but working himself tirelessly into the ground until his body couldn’t take it anymore.

I would love to write that was truly appreciated by all my peers, but perhaps summing up society, the attitude seemed to be: “What have you done for me lately?”

The media are quick to point out when supporters feel an individual is not showing loyalty to the shirt, but it works both ways.

In the run-in, Lewis-Skelly started against Fulham and West Ham in the Premier League. Those were literally his League starts in midfield before the Premiership was officially won.

Yet which one was more celebrated this summer?

The teenager with five Prem starts?

Or the one with… 34 out of 38!!!!!!

So, in other words, why give blood, sweat and tears for months on end when you can do nothing until the last couple of games of the title race?

That’s like applauding a sprinter for crossing the line after running the last 100 metres while ignoring the man who did the whole marathon.

Is Zubimendi Simply Following Arteta’s Instructions?

I understand the accusation that Zubimendi is fond of the sideways pass, but that’s down to Mikel Arteta’s tactics.

A system that works, by the way.

Even if you feel it’s not entertaining, Zubimendi is hardly the only one guilty of being conservative in possession.

So Portman Road feels like a big moment in the season for Zubimendi.

How have we gotten here?

Have Arsenal supporters been too quick to judge Zubimendi, or do you think criticism of his performances has been justified? Let us know in the comments.
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