Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has downplayed talk of his side being clear Premier League title favourites, insisting that the race remains finely balanced despite the Gunners’ strong start to the season.
The Spanish midfielder, who joined from Real Sociedad in the summer, has been a revelation since arriving in North London. Calm on the ball and tactically intelligent, Zubimendi has quickly become the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s midfield. His two goals — both against Nottingham Forest — have only added to an already impressive start to life in England.
Arsenal currently sit three points clear at the top of the table, taking advantage of Liverpool’s recent dip in form. But while fans are daring to dream, Zubimendi insists the squad remains focused and realistic about the long road ahead.
Speaking to Radio Marca, the 25-year-old offered a measured response when asked to rate Arsenal’s chances of ending their 20-year title drought.
“I couldn’t give you a number,” he said. “But I do know we’ll be there. Football is unpredictable — small details make the difference. Sometimes it’s even a coin toss.”
Zubimendi’s humility mirrors the collective mindset inside Arteta’s dressing room. The Gunners have finished second in each of the past three seasons, and while they have established themselves as one of Europe’s elite sides, history has yet to reward them with silverware. No English team has ever been runner-up four years in a row, and Arsenal are desperate to break that pattern.
In a separate interview with AS, Martin Zubimendi emphasized that the team is not burdened by expectations.
“No one here talks about obligations or pressure,” he explained. “Success will be the reward for our work throughout the season. More than pressure, what I see is motivation — the fans are eager, not anxious.”
Defensive Solidity and Set-Piece Mastery Behind Arsenal’s Rise
Arsenal’s success has been built on two key pillars this season — defensive resilience and set-piece dominance. The Gunners showcased both in their recent 1-0 win at Fulham, where they restricted the hosts to zero shots on target and snatched victory through a well-worked corner.
“We’re a very complete team,” Martin Zubimendi said. “The staff prepares us meticulously for each game. We study opponents’ strengths and weaknesses in detail, and that work pays off.”
He even laughed when asked about Arsenal’s reputation for set-piece efficiency. “It doesn’t surprise me,” he admitted. “We train those situations every single day. It’s part of our identity now.”
Manager Mikel Arteta echoed those sentiments, crediting his side’s progress to constant evolution. “We keep improving,” he said. “The system learns every game. That’s the secret — never stop adapting.”
