Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 2 March 2026 8:00, UK Updated Mon 2 March 2026 9:13, UK

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Martin Zubimendi would be dropped from the lineup to face Brighton if Arsenal supporters got their way after the Chelsea clash.

Set-piece goals from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber ensured all three points stayed at the Emirates on Sunday, 1 March, but the game was not without its twists and turns in North London.

Chelsea were allowed a route back into the game when Piero Hincapie’s own goal offered a lifeline, but after Pedro Neto was sent off in the 70th minute, there was no way back for the visitors.

The Blues had several chances to pull the result back, but losing a player completely killed off the game, letting Arsenal‘s Zubimendi off the hook after some concerning sights.

Mikel Arteta urged to act ahead of key Brighton clash

Being accused of his legs being “gone,” match-going Gunners fans are urging Mikel Arteta to drop Zubimendi for Christian Norgaard, who signed from Brentford during the summer.

Norgaard has made just 15 appearances since making the move, many of them off the bench, but he could be turned to against the Seagulls purely for his leadership and experience.

The Spaniard was labelled an “utter disgrace” for his passing and “shocking” alongside some of his teammates, despite the Gunners seeing out the result for all three points.

• @DaRealDonreal: “Zubimendi’s passing is an utter disgrace, never seen a Spanish midfielder so technically deficient.”
• @Rossco2600: “Nah, these players are a disgrace lmao. Saliba shocking, but look at the touch from Zubimendi in recovery…. What a shocking bunch of footballers, man.”
• @Larrydeyemi002: “Norgaard has more EPL experience than Zubimendi… Arsenal need experienced players right now to guide them through the league title this time around.”

• Read more: Joe Hart loved this “unbelievable” moment from David Raya vs Chelsea.

Martin Zubimendi struggles could be a concern for Arsenal

It is always difficult to shine next to Declan Rice, but Zubimendi’s struggles were especially obvious against the Blues.

In 90 minutes, he completed 81 per cent of his passes, fired one shot off target, had just 33 touches, made three tackles and two recoveries, and won just 33 per cent of his aerial duels [FotMob].

The most worrying incident was when the Spaniard received a pass from David Raya with his back to the pitch. Instead of turning and finding a teammate, he put the goalkeeper under unnecessary pressure.

Raya managed to clear away from Joao Pedro and find touch, but it was just one of Zubimendi’s lazy moments at the Emirates. He looks tired, and a change in the middle of the park seems needed.