Declan Rice reacts to Martin Zubimendi’s message after his Arsenal axe
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi was in high spirits on social media after his standout performance in the win over Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal dominated Nottingham Forest in a 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, as Mikel Arteta’s side bounced back from defeat to Liverpool in emphatic style.
Zubimendi was the unlikely hero on the day after scoring as he netted a brace and scored his first two goals for the club.
The Spaniard opened the scoring with a thunderous volley from outside the box that flew past Mats Selz, while the second came after a pinpoint cross from Leandro Trossard, where the midfielder rose highest to head it home.
Zubimendi joined Arsenal in the summer for a fee above his £51 million release clause, a move that allowed the club greater flexibility in the market to strengthen other areas of the squad.
After just four games, he’s shown his importance to the Arteta’s system and following his latest performance, he shared a message to the fans.
Arsenal players respond after Martin Zubimendi’s stunning brace
Zubimendi received a wave of support from his teammates after his influential performance, with the midfielder captioning his post on Instagram with “What a feeling”.
Players such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, who was dropped from the Arsenal starting eleven for the Forest clash, and Trossard were among those to react, showing their appreciation by liking the update.
The 26-year-old has featured in every single game for the Gunners this season after Thomas Partey’s departure on a free transfer in the summer.
Arsenal had beaten competition from Real Madrid for Zubimendi in the summer, as the hierarchy had done much of the groundwork for the signing back in January.
Liverpool had also been close to signing him in the summer of 2024, but he rejected a move and now plays a crucial part in Arteta’s side.
| Arsenal’s fixtures | Date |
| Athletic Club vs Arsenal | 16 September |
| Arsenal vs Man City | 21 September |
| Port Vale vs Arsenal | 24 September |
Arsenal look to cash in on Leandro Trossard
While Trossard was active on social media to support his teammate and also provided the assist for his second goal, his time at the club remains uncertain.
Football Insider revealed on 11 September that Arsenal are willing to let Trossard leave if the right offer would come in.
The Belgian had only recently agreed to sign a new contract with the club, but did not extend his contract length. With more competition for places, the possibility of an exit as early as January is being considered.