Arsenal fans got a glimpse into the future on Saturday as Mikel Arteta unleashed his new midfield triumvirate together for the very first time. Following the high-profile signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad earlier this summer, supporters have been desperate to see the Spaniard start alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard from the beginning of a match.
Arteta resisted the temptation of doing so on the club’s tour of Asia and also last Wednesday as the team lost 3-2 against Villarreal on their return to the Emirates Stadium. However, he gave the trio the nod from the off on Saturday as they recorded a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club.
What was noticeable during the game was that Zubimendi and Rice swapped positions at times as Arsenal showed their fluidity in that area of the pitch. Arteta was keen to point that out in his post-match press conference, mentioning “we saw another evolution today on that” and that it is something they can really benefit from.
“Yeah, especially with the qualities that they have and the way they can complement each other in that space,” explained the Spaniard. “We saw another evolution today on that and things that the team can really benefit from to be much more unpredictable and be a much more threat, especially from these inside positions.”
Zubimendi spoke to Arsenal.com after the game and he opened up on his adaptation to life at Arsenal and starting alongside Rice and Odegaard for the first time.
“It was very easy – the team made it very easy for me,” said the Spain international. “I think the rest of the team have integrated very well, I think the people on and off the pitch are very friendly.
“[Declan and Martin Odegaard] are top players, the best in their position. It’s time to learn, adapt and enjoy it above all.
“It was an important game because we came from two defeats. It’s true that they were friendlies, but this club doesn’t understand defeats in any context, so it was an important game to win and start the pre-season with a good feeling.”
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