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Gary Neville has identified Martin Zubimendi as the Arsenal player whose form has notably declined during the crucial final phase of the season, despite the midfielder’s impressive start to the campaign.
The Spanish midfielder was instrumental in Arsenal’s early success this term, with the Gunners spending over 200 days at the top of the Premier League table. Zubimendi’s arrival following Thomas Partey’s departure from the Emirates brought control and composure to Arteta’s midfield, earning widespread praise for his tactical intelligence and ability to keep the team organised in possession.
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Early promise gives way to recent struggles
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Zubimendi’s reliability proved crucial throughout the campaign, with his excellent fitness record ensuring consistent availability for selection. The defensive midfielder also chipped in with important goals while Arsenal progressed impressively in European competition.
However, his recent performances have fallen below the high standards he set earlier in the season. The timing of this dip has heightened concerns, as Arsenal enter the business end of their title challenge with several crucial matches remaining.
There are suggestions that fatigue may be impacting the midfielder after the demands of an intense campaign. Arsenal may now need to provide greater support around Zubimendi to help restore his earlier influence on proceedings.
Neville’s honest verdict
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Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, according to JustArsenal, the former Manchester United defender shared his assessment of Zubimendi’s season. “I thought at the start of the season that Zubimendi was a great signing,” Neville said. “He’s been a good player for Arsenal, but right now I was expecting that this would be where Zubimendi would be the player.”
Neville’s comments reflect broader frustrations surrounding Arsenal’s recent performances, despite their extended period at the summit of the table. While Zubimendi remains a talented and important figure in Arteta’s setup, expectations naturally rise during the decisive final stretch of any title campaign.
The midfielder’s calm presence and tactical awareness have often been central to Arsenal’s balance throughout the season. His ability to control tempo and maintain possession under pressure proved particularly valuable during the club’s lengthy spell as league leaders.
Arsenal will hope Zubimendi can rediscover the form that made such a strong impression in the opening months of the campaign. If he returns to his best level, the north London side’s chances of finishing the season strongly could improve significantly as they look to convert their impressive campaign into silverware.