Neville dissatisfied with performance of £51 million Zubimendi
Despite Arsenal reclaiming the top spot in the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle, pundit Gary Neville has criticized the performance of the club's £51 million signing, Martin Zubimendi. Neville argued that the Spanish midfielder is struggling to control the game's tempo and has yet to establish the same level of authority as elite playmakers like Rodri or Paul Scholes. The expert also highlighted a tactical imbalance between Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard, suggesting that their overlapping roles allowed Newcastle to seize control of the midfield during the match.
Although Arsenal club has reclaimed the top spot in the English Premier League standings, the team's new member Martin Zubimendi has come under fire from experts. Former footballer Gary Neville expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of the Spanish midfielder, who was purchased for £51 million. Goal.com reports on this.
Following the 1-0 victory over Newcastle, Neville noted that the player who moved from Real Sociedad is failing to control the tempo of the game. In his opinion, Zubimendi has been unable to show his level for several weeks and is not taking leadership on the pitch.
“At the start of the season, I thought Zubimendi was a great signing, but he is not controlling the game like Andrea Pirlo, Paul Scholes, or Rodri. He hasn't established his authority on the pitch yet and is struggling in matches,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
According to the expert, the balance between Zubimendi, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard in Mikel Arteta's team has been disrupted. Because they are occupying the same areas on the pitch, Newcastle midfielders managed to take control of the game.
Although Eberechi Eze's goal brought victory to Arsenal in the match, the team's attacking line was also criticized. Neville specifically noted that Viktor Gyokeres, who came on as a substitute, failed to capitalize on his opportunities.
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