Martin Keown has urged Arsenal to rally around Martin Zubimendi, saying the summer signing is enduring a 'difficult moment' in his debut campaign. The former Gunners defender believes the midfielder needs support from teammates and fans alike as the title race intensifies.
Zubimendi's Struggles
Zubimendi completed a £56million move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal in the summer, with high expectations placed on the Spain international. After a bright start, his form has dipped, with no goals or assists in his last nine Premier League appearances. Despite this, he remains a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, featuring in all but one of Arsenal's 34 league games this season.
Speaking after Arsenal's nervy 1-0 win over Newcastle, Manchester United legend Gary Neville expressed disappointment with Zubimendi's recent performances. 'I thought at the start of the season that Zubimendi was a great signing,' Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast. 'He's been a good player for Arsenal but right now I was expecting that this would be where Zubimendi would be the difference player.'
Neville compared Zubimendi unfavourably to midfield maestros like Andrea Pirlo, Paul Scholes, Rodri, and Bernardo Silva, noting that the Arsenal man has not dictated play in big games. 'He's struggling in the games and he has been for a few weeks now,' Neville added. 'Martin Odegaard does it better.'
Keown's Comparison with Eze
On talkSPORT, Keown contrasted Zubimendi's form with that of Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, who has thrived under pressure. 'Eberechi Eze, how he handled those nerves, I think he's an example to everyone in the team,' Keown said. 'His finish was magnificent. He's enjoying the moment and embracing it. That has to be the attitude.'
Keown continued: 'I think I'd contrast that with Zubimendi. He's played a lot of games, it's a difficult moment for him, but these are the players you support. The result does the trick, it gives you that tonic, it makes you think you can keep going.'
Title Race Tensions
Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League, three points ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. With four matches remaining and a Champions League semi-final also on the horizon, Keown expects more twists. 'I don't think we should be underestimating some of these games,' he said. 'We don't even know when the games for Manchester City will be played because the FA Cup final comes a week before the end of the season.'
Keown also praised the return of Bukayo Saka, noting that 'all the connections were back' with the winger on the pitch. He urged Arsenal to block out the noise and focus on performing in the crucial weeks ahead.
