Despite some incredible performances during the 2024/25 season, Arsenal ended the season without a major trophy. They ultimately finished a distant second to Liverpool in the Premier League, while losing to the eventual Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. Arsenal have strengthened during the summer, signing Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi and following the club’s 3-0 victory over Athletic Club, Mikel Arteta had plenty of praise, in particular for the performance of Zubimendi.
Mikel Arteta Praises Martin Zubimend’s Performance Ahead of Arsenal vs Man United
Martin Zubimendi Shines in Arsenal vs Athletic Club
It was a dominant performance against Athletic Club, which saw Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz find the net. Following the game, Arteta reflected on the success of pre-season and the attendances for all the games: “Yes, unbelievable,” Mikel said. “Everywhere that we’ve been, it’s been sold out. They’ve been with the team throughout the pre-season. Today, again, the energy that they created, the support that they are bringing to the team, to the new players, you feel the excitement. You feel the excitement, you feel the energy there and that’s a really positive thing to have.
“Now we will review the match, review what we’ve done in pre-season and make the final tweaks. We’re very much ready to start the season on Sunday.”
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“I’m very pleased with the performance, with the way we play as a team, the cohesion, the fluidity, the dynamism and the level of threat that we were able to provide throughout the game. A lot of big individual performances as well and I’m very pleased with the result and the clean sheet. Very happy with [it all].”
Arteta also praised the opening goal of the game, which saw Martin Zubimendi assist Gyokeres, leaving the Gunners boss praising his new signings, especially the Spaniard: “The quality of the delivery from Zubi, absolutely top,” he said. “I think he was incredible today, the way he played throughout the game and for Viktor as well to get out that first goal I think is very, very important psychologically.
“Again, he was involved in a lot of very important actions in the game. Kai came in and scored an incredible goal as well. So, I’m very happy with the team today.”
Arsenal vs Manchester United
Attention now turns to August 17, when Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to face their old rivals, Manchester United. Arteta’s men will start as the favourites, following this win over Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup.
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Despite the arrival of Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United will find it difficult to deal with an Arsenal squad that looks primed for a big 2025/26 season.
