Martin Zubimendi may have given Mikel Arteta an unexpected solution to Arsenal’s developing problem at right-back.
The midfielder started on the right side of Arsenal’s defence during Tuesday night’s 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town.
It was not simply a case of putting a midfielder in defence and hoping for the best.
Zubimendi regularly moved inside when Arsenal had possession, allowing him to operate in the central areas where he is most comfortable.
That helped Arteta retain one of the fundamental principles of his Arsenal system despite making nine changes at Portman Road.
Arsenal’s progress into the fourth round was headlined by Max Dowman’s two goals, but Zubimendi’s unusual role could prove particularly significant ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Brighton.
Our full report from Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win over Ipswich showed how Arteta was able to rotate heavily without sacrificing control.
Zubimendi was a major part of that.
Martin Zubimendi Gives Arteta New Right-Back Option
Arteta’s decision came after Ben White suffered a groin problem during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
White did not return for the second half at the Stadium of Light, with Jurriën Timber replacing him.
The injury then kept White out of the travelling squad for Ipswich, leaving Arsenal without their first-choice right-back from the opening weeks of the season.
Timber was also left out after only recently returning from a groin problem of his own.
That forced Arteta to find another solution.
Zubimendi started at right-back alongside Gabriel, Marli Salmon and Myles Lewis-Skelly, although his responsibilities changed considerably once Arsenal had the ball.
Rather than remaining outside Noni Madueke, the Spain international frequently stepped into midfield.
It allowed Arsenal to create another passing option centrally while still giving Madueke freedom to hold the width on the right.
The approach suited Zubimendi.
His greatest strengths have always been his awareness, passing and ability to receive the ball under pressure. Moving him inside during possession meant Arsenal could still use those qualities despite his nominal defensive position.
Arseblog’s report from the 4-2 victory also highlighted how Zubimendi combined with Madueke before supplying the pass for Dowman’s second goal.
That sequence demonstrated why the experiment matters.
Zubimendi Role Could Help Arsenal Against Brighton
Arsenal now have an important decision to make before facing Brighton.
White’s availability remains uncertain after his groin issue, while there is little reason to take unnecessary risks with Timber immediately after his return.
Brighton present a much tougher test than Ipswich.
They climbed into the Premier League’s top four following a 5-0 victory over Coventry City and have been among the division’s highest-scoring sides during the opening weeks of the campaign.
That makes the defensive side of Zubimendi’s role more significant.
Using him against Brighton would expose him to far greater pressure than Arsenal faced for long periods at Portman Road.
However, Arteta now knows the option exists.
Zubimendi completed 87 per cent of his passes and won five duels against Ipswich despite playing outside his natural position.
More importantly, Arsenal did not have to abandon their normal structure to accommodate him.
That is the key to the experiment.
Arteta has built a side around technical security and players capable of occupying multiple positions. Zubimendi effectively gave Arsenal a midfielder and right-back within the same phase of possession.
It is another example of the tactical flexibility Arteta has developed as he approaches a significant Arsenal managerial milestone.
Zubimendi does not suddenly need to become Arsenal’s long-term right-back.
But if White remains unavailable and Timber needs to be managed carefully, Arsenal have discovered another way of protecting their system without forcing an injured defender back into the starting XI.
That could make Tuesday night’s experiment far more important than it initially appeared.
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