The debate raged amongst Arsenal supporters: who truly deserved the season’s highest honor? Names like Declan Rice and Granit Xhaka echoed through the stands, but a quiet force had been steadily asserting himself as a contender – Martin Zubimendi.
Former Arsenal stalwart Martin Keown championed the understated midfielder, arguing Zubimendi’s impact was profound. He wasn’t just a Premier League standout; he orchestrated the entire Spanish national team’s midfield with a similar authority.
Keown drew a compelling parallel to his own playing days, recalling the fierce, weekly competition between himself, Emmanuel Petit, and Patrick Vieira for man-of-the-match honors. That relentless drive for individual excellence, he asserted, is the hallmark of championship-winning teams.
Zubimendi’s influence was immediately apparent against Sunderland, where he broke the deadlock with a powerful strike. This ignited a late surge, paving the way for a dominant 3-0 victory.
But the story didn’t end with Zubimendi’s goal. Viktor Gyokeres, a dynamic substitute, exploded onto the scene, adding two goals to his rapidly growing tally – four in just four matches. His second goal, a stunning finish set up by Gabriel Martinelli’s blistering run, arrived deep into stoppage time, sealing the win.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised the impact of his “finishers,” highlighting his strategic squad rotation amidst a demanding schedule. He recognized the unique value of players who could decisively alter the course of a game from the bench.
Arteta revealed a crucial message he’d been conveying to Gyokeres and Martinelli: their contributions weren’t solely defined by starting positions. Sometimes, the greatest impact came from embracing the challenge of changing a game as a substitute, a role they were increasingly relishing.
The manager observed their immediate reaction when the lineup was announced, noting the understanding in their eyes. They knew their moment was coming, and they were prepared to seize it, proving that true champions understand the power of collective strength and individual readiness.
