Martin Zubimendi’s unexpected scoring surge gives Arsenal new edge in title race

Martin Zubimendi’s goal return was not part of the original script when he arrived at Arsenal, yet only Viktor Gyokeres has scored more Premier League goals for the club this season.

For a midfielder signed primarily for control, structure and intelligence between the lines, Zubimendi’s output in front of goal has become one of the quiet stories of Arsenal’s campaign.

Arsenal’s biggest summer victory arguably came before a ball was kicked. Zubimendi chose north London over Liverpool, ending long-standing interest from Anfield and giving Mikel Arteta a midfield conductor he had tracked closely.

The 27-year-old is the only outfield player to start all 25 of Arsenal’s Premier League matches so far this season. Considering this is his first campaign without a winter break, that durability alone has been significant.

His defensive numbers are consistent with expectation. He ranks among the league leaders for interceptions in the opposition half, and only Declan Rice has recorded more touches for Arsenal. What has changed is the freedom to attack.

Before moving to England, Zubimendi’s most productive season in front of goal came in 2023/24, when he scored four times in 45 matches for Real Sociedad. He has already surpassed that mark, reaching six goals in all competitions, including a long-range strike against Sunderland that underlined his confidence.

Arteta admitted the transformation was not entirely predicted.

“Probably we didn't expect” him to be this prolific, the Arsenal manager said ahead of the Brentford fixture.

“He’s a player that the first time I spoke to him, he said that he had the feeling always that he was a bit constrained to go forward in the position that he's playing.

“We try to give him the licence in the right moments against the right opponents as well to attack those spaces and he's been incredible.”

Having followed Arsenal’s midfield dynamic closely this season, the relationship between Zubimendi and Rice has been crucial. Their rotations allow one to hold while the other breaks forward, creating unpredictability.

This balance has enabled Zubimendi to arrive late into the box rather than remain anchored. The variety of his finishes reflects that licence.

He powered in a header against Leeds, skipped through challenges to score versus Chelsea, and struck a stunning volley against Nottingham Forest earlier in the campaign. The Sunderland goal from distance demonstrated composure rather than instinct alone.

Even Arteta joked that Mikel Merino deserved credit, referencing the Spaniard’s encouragement for midfield arrivals into the box. Yet structurally, it is Rice’s presence that offers security behind forward runs.

With Kai Havertz sidelined by a muscle injury, Arsenal’s attacking burden has subtly shifted. This is not a side reliant on a single forward, and contributions from deeper areas are essential if they are to sustain their title push.

Zubimendi’s consistency in availability adds further value. While others rotate or manage fitness, he has been ever-present.

However, it remains too early to conclude that this scoring rate is permanent. Much will depend on tactical adjustments from opponents who may begin tracking his movements more closely.

Arsenal travel to Brentford on Thursday, where midfield timing and discipline will again be tested. Maintaining balance between control and risk will be vital.

If Zubimendi continues to contribute goals from deep, Arsenal’s attacking distribution becomes even harder to contain in the run-in.

Has Zubimendi quietly become Arsenal’s most important midfielder this season?