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.
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.
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?
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