The Emirates Stadium once again saw Martin Odegaard practice leaving the field to welcome West Ham, the third time in just the last 3 matches. Worry has engulfed Mikel Arteta, but fortunately, he still has Martin Zubimendi in hand.
The match was still goalless at that time and just a few minutes after Zubimendi was brought on in the 30th minute, the "Gunners" started to change completely.
Despite not scoring directly, the Spanish midfielder played a key role in Arsenal's 2-0 win over West Ham, an opponent that was just led by Nuno Santo and undergoing positive changes. In that context, Zubimendi's immediate letting in and changing the rhythm of the match shows that his class is reaching a new height.
The difference named Zubimendi
Arteta started the match with Declan Rice playing the lowest, supporting Odegaard and Eberechi Eze behind in a flexible structure between 4-3-3 and 3-2-5. However, when Odegaard left the pitch, the balance changed immediately. Zubimendi came on and brought Arsenal back to the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
Less than 10 minutes later, Zubimendi made a delicate pass through the line to Eze in the penalty area. Eze's shot bounced off and Rice promptly kicked the ball back into the open. That combination was not part of Arteta's original plan but was the most effective way to break the low defensive block that West Ham had built.
Breakthrough passing thinking
The match was at risk of passing in a deadlock, but Zubimendi kept looking for a solution. He ended the match with 11 passes across the line, the most of all 22 players on the pitch despite playing just over 60 minutes.
In terms of the number of passes through the line to the final third of the field, he was tied for first place (4) with Eze, Lucas Paqueta and Odegaard himself. This is a specialty of Zubimendi, one of the strengths that made Arsenal recruit him in the summer of 2025.
It was one of those passes that opened up the second goal. In midfield, Zubimendi had the perfect press for Jurrien Timber. The Dutch defender controlled the ball excellently, forcing the West Ham defender to commit a foul in the situation that led to the goal to seal the score. Although he was not named an assist, it is clear that Zubimendi was the one who made the breakthrough.
If the double against Nottingham Forest was a testament to his ability to score, the match against West Ham affirmed Zubimendi as a "silent explosive" who unlocked all the tough defensive system with tactical handling.
When defense is also art
Not only did Zubimendi shine when holding the ball, he was also a key factor in helping Arsenal keep a clean sheet for the 7th time in 10 matches since the beginning of the season. At the end of the match, he continuously retreated deep, reading the situation accurately to clear the ball in the penalty area, minimizing the pressure on the defense.
Zubimendi's ability to choose a smart position was part of the reason why David Raya did not have to make any saves in the match against West Ham. The Spanish star's calmness, discipline and cover-up helped Arsenal secure a complete victory.
Arteta's calculated choice
Bringing Zubimendi onto the field in the 30th minute was not an obvious option. In the two previous times Odegaard left the field early (against Leeds and Nottingham Forest), Arteta had chosen Ethan Nwaneri, who played quite well. However, this time, the 43-year-old coach changed his mind.
Arteta explained: West Ham defended very deep, they had no intention of coordinating from the front line, only playing long balls and fighting for second balls. With Zubimendi, we can control the space better, occupy the necessary areas to dominate the game."
That adjustment was accurate. Zubimendi not only helped Arsenal control the midfield, he also completely dominated the pace of the match, controlling three Rice - Odegaard - Eze in the first 30 minutes but still could not do it.
Arteta's big picture
Before entering the international break, Mikel Arteta showed boldness in rotating and arranging the midfield. Against Newcastle, he tested the trio of Zubimendi - Rice - Eze and they played well. However, Arsenal needed a replacement from Odegaard. Against West Ham, the scenario reversed when Odegaard started, Zubimendi came on and made the difference.
This flexibility opens up many tactical options for Arteta in the next phase. The Arsenal captain admitted: "We need more time for these three midfielders to understand each other better. The understanding needs to be built and unfortunately Odegaard's injury has interrupted everything."
However, if we look at it positively, the win over West Ham shows that Arsenal have a real depth. When the brightest star in midfield was injured, Zubimendi still had enough courage to maintain the quality of his playing style, even bringing a new shade, faster, more direct and more effective.
