Addressing tactical scrutiny surrounding Martin Zubimendi – who enters the final following four consecutive matches on the bench – Arteta staunchly defended the midfielder's debut season at Arsenal. "I could give you a thousand examples of players who, in their first year in the Premier League, haven't been as outstanding as the impressive season Zubi has had," Arteta explained. "But it's also true that he's played several games he's never played before, and that's put him in a difficult position at times."
The manager clarified that the benchings were a calculated decision to provide vital tactical breathing room and oxygen for the final, adding, "For me, it was a difficult decision, but I think there were better teammates for certain types of matches. We've given Zubi a break, a breather, for these final matches."