15-Jan-2026 (#38)

Zubimendi's New Goal-Scoring Habit: A Defensive Midfielder's Attacking Surge!

Martin Zubimendi, the guy, who we primarily brought in to anchor our midfield and shield the defense, has suddenly found his scoring boots! We're seeing him venture into more advanced areas, showing a composure and vision in the final third that's genuinely exciting. Mikel Arteta even compared him to Declan Rice in terms of his versatility, talking about unlocking his full potential and how he's "so good at occupying different spaces."

He's not just dictating play from deep anymore; he's actively looking to exploit space, often mirroring the movements of our more attacking players. It's like he's seeing the game through their eyes, anticipating where the gaps will appear. We're seeing him pop up in unexpected places, and the fact that the team is already adapting to these runs, with players like Trossard and Gyökeres making complementary movements, shows just how much tactical intelligence is at play.

I'm genuinely thrilled to see how this attacking dimension continues to evolve. It adds another layer of unpredictability to our game, and frankly, it's just fun to watch!

Related reads:

How Zubimendi is turning into an attacking threat for Arsenal - CBS Sports

Zubimendi's goal in Arsenal's 3-2 in over Chelsea was just the latest example of his increasing attacking presence

4000 words on the Rice Zubimendi ripple effect

A closer look at Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in 2025/2026

White Hot and Ready for More!

Well, what a night at Stamford Bridge! If you weren't glued to your screen, you missed an absolute cracker of a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. And leading the charge for us? None other than our very own Ben White! That header from Declan's corner was pure class, and it's fantastic to see Ben getting his first goal of the season – and against Chelsea, no less! He even joked about liking it here after scoring twice against them last season. You love to hear that kind of confidence! But Ben wasn't done there. His cross for Viktor Gyokeres' goal was just as crucial, though it was a pretty shoddy job from their GK. His attacking forays from right-back, always seem to have a better end result than what we get from Timber.

It's a massive result, and a huge credit to Ben White for being at the heart of two of our goals. Since Timber cemented his place as RB in our starting eleven, it would have been difficult time for him but nights like these just prove how vital he is to this Arsenal side. Now, onto Nottingham Forest!

Related reads:

White on win, goal and refocusing for next game

Our defender discusses a hard-fought first-leg victory at Stamford Bridge

Report: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal (inc. goals)

Arsenal: Kepa, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Saka, Gyokeres Subs: Raya, Jesus, Eze, Martinelli, Norgaard, Madueke, Merino, Havertz, Lewis-Skelly Arsenal will take an important lead into their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, after winning the first leg 3-2 at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and …