Martin Zubimendi’s heat map and stats vs Atletico Madrid show he’s the player Arsenal have been waiting for
Martin Zubimendi was central to everything Arsenal did as they battered Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League.
Years of pain and heartbreak could be set to end this season as the Gunners maintained their flawless European record on 21 October.
Key to their success at the Emirates was Zubimendi who has been amazing since leaving Real Sociedad over the summer.
Zubimendi will miss Arsenal’s next Champions League fixture after picking up another yellow card, yet Mikel Arteta will be thrilled by his marquee signing with the data suggesting he could be pivotal to the club finally winning a long-awaited trophy.
Zubimendi dictating play as Arsenal swarmed Atletico Madrid
Whilst Myles Lewis-Skelly shone for Arsenal, it was the Spaniard who was integral to the way Arteta wanted his side to play.
The ex-Real Sociedad man was a creative force, accruing three key passes and constructing one big chance with an xA of 0.62.
The 26-year-old found 89 per cent of his passes, touching the ball 56 times in 73 minutes as he ran the show in the midfield.
Zubimendi’s heat map, as demonstrated by Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, highlights his terrier-like mentality as he appeared all over the pitch in both defensive and offensive positions.
The numbers are hugely promising and that level of control and tenacity could be key to the Gunners securing a trophy after an extended drought.
Mikel Arteta to be wary of Champions League exertions affecting Arsenal’s title bid
Although the display against Atletico Madrid was hugely impressive, the Arsenal boss will be aware of the possible consequences of battling in multiple competitions.
Arguably, the previous campaign was the Gunners’ best chance of winning the Premier League with Man City in a rebuild phase, Chelsea stuttering and other traditional top six sides falling at the wayside.
However, Liverpool managed to secure the title in resolute fashion with their early Champions League exit a boost to their league prospects.
Arteta’s side went all the way to the semi-finals where they ultimately fell to European champions PSG, a potential reason for why they struggled to maintain their ruthless rhythm in the English top-flight.
Of course, winning several trophies will be the dream for any Arsenal fan and the immense squad depth reflects a club determined to not let previous campaigns’ mistakes happen again.