Martin Zubimendi admits Arsenal’s recent form has been “strange”, but with two trophies still in play, he firmly believes the team can finish the season on on a high.
The Spain international, who joined from Real Sociedad last summer, made an immediate impact and was one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers in the first half of the campaign. Since the turn of the year, though, there have been signs of fatigue. His workload has been heavy, 3,842 minutes across 48 appearances, more than any other outfield player under Mikel Arteta, and it has shown at times.
There were encouraging signs on Tuesday night. Zubimendi was named UEFA’s Player of the Match after a composed display in midfield as Arsenal edged past Sporting Lisbon to book a place in the Champions League semi-finals for the second year running. He set the tempo, kept things ticking, and looked closer to his early-season best at a time when the team will need him most.
“When I decided to come here, it was to live nights like this one and the ones that are to come,” Zubimendi told TNT Sports.
“There are only a few weeks left, and every game is going to be do or die, so I’m preparing for the next one.”
“The last few weeks have been strange, but at the beginning of the season, we would have signed to be in this position.
“We still have things to improve. We need more clarity in the last third. Luckily, this team defends well, and we are solid.”
Next up is a huge test against Manchester City, who could cut Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to three points with a win on Sunday. Zubimendi expects a tight contest but believes the team’s resilience will stand them in good stead.
“Every game is going to be a final. It’s true that they are going through a very good spell. But our team has proved that when we fall, we can stand up. We have that group unity that gives us that calmness to know that we will respond.”
Beyond that, there is the small matter of a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, beaten 4-0 in the league phase but unlikely to be anything like straightforward this time around. Zubimendi knows exactly what to expect.
“It’s going to be very difficult,” he said. “I know them well. They are very competitive. They are going through a great spell, having a lot of confidence.
“We know them from the group stages but this will be different. I’m not surprised by what they have done. It’s a team that has invested a lot.
“They have signed very good players. They have a block of players that have been there for some time and have a very good coach.”