Arsenal prepare for north London derby against Tottenham as Zubimendi discusses goal-scoring form and Bukayo Saka praises Declan Rice's leadership in the dressing room
11:34, 22 Nov 2025
Mikel Arteta
View 3 Images
Arsenal are currently top of the table
Arsenal are preparing for the season's first north London derby as Premier League action resumes. The Gunners went into the most recent international break at the top of the league - a position they've held for six consecutive weeks.
Despite a 2-2 draw at Sunderland earlier this month, their four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City remained intact. However, despite the strength of Mikel Arteta's squad, their injury list is growing, with Gabriel Magalhaes sidelined for at least a month.
Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli remain unavailable, presenting another significant challenge to their title aspirations in Sunday's clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
As Arsenal aim to maintain their bragging rights over Spurs, having completed a double victory over them last season, Daily Star Sport brings you the latest news from the club.
Martin Zubimendi acknowledges the difference
Martin Zubimendi after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium.
View 3 Images
Martin Zubimendi signed for Arsenal in the summer(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Spanish player made a £51million move to the Gunners this past summer from his childhood club Real Sociedad, just a year after his club and national teammate Mikel Merino made the same move, reports the Mirror.
In a joint interview with the Premier League, Merino lavished praise on Zubimendi for his skills, acknowledging that Arteta wouldn't have signed him if he didn't believe the 26-year-old could enhance the Gunners' performance.
"He honestly brings a lot," Merino revealed. "They don't make signings here for no reason and whenever someone comes in, it's to add something to the team."
Declan Rice's leadership qualities shine through
Arsenal players celebrate after beating Newcastle
View 3 Images
Declan Rice has stepped up for Arsenal this season(Image: Getty Images)
Recognised as one of the planet's finest midfield operators, Declan Rice's captaincy credentials have consistently earned plaudits from colleagues and peers alike.
After serving as West Ham's skipper for two seasons prior to his eye-watering £105million switch to north London, he's now embedded himself within the club's leadership circle alongside captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and Merino.
Though it's typically been Saka stepping into the captain's armband this campaign during Odegaard's injury absences, the winger was quick to big up Rice's leadership credentials and highlight his uplifting presence around the training ground.
Article continues below
"Dec is not only a great player but he's a great leader," the 23-year-old shared. "Obviously he was captain at West Ham and even around Arsenal, he's a big leader. He's a guy that takes a lot of responsibility in the changing room and gets the boys going.
"So credit to him for that and of course he's doing that here now as well. He's in really good form, a really good mood and I am happy to be his team-mate. Obviously he speaks with authority.
"He communicates well, he knows what to say at the right moment. But I think he has that backed up with his presence on the pitch, how he plays. He plays every game, he's always available."