At a Glance:
- Arsenal fans had their say on Martin Zubimendi’s performance against Sporting CP in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
- Zubimendi had plenty of pressure to perform after facing plenty of criticism.
- The midfielder was handed the Man of the Match award.
Martin Zubimendi would have been determined to silence his critics in recent weeks ahead of Arsenal’s 0-0 draw against Sporting CP in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final.
Zubimendi faced criticism for his underwhelming showing in the Gunners’ 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth as his performances have declined during the second half of the ongoing season.
Several Arsenal players consoled Zubimendi in the aftermath of the contest as well and it seems like their support paid off as the Spaniard was handed the Man of the Match award on Wednesday night.
The former Real Sociedad star looked back to his best in an Arsenal shirt, leading fans on X to sing his praises after the hosts’ latest outing at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal fans hail Martin Zubimendi after Champions League clash vs Sporting CP
One Arsenal supporter lauded Zubimendi for how he bounced back against Sporting, writing: “Brilliant response to his criticism recently. Now do it again on Sunday [against Manchester City].”
Brilliant response to his criticism recently. Now do it again on Sunday https://t.co/YPi0LYpdnA
— 💫 (@adzhanti) April 15, 2026
Another fan noticed that upon Declan Rice’s return to fitness against Sporting, the Englishman did not seem fully ready to play. As a result, the fan claimed Zubimendi’s heroics against Sporting were worth their weight in gold.
“On a night where Rice was visibly crocked (he barely moved in the second half), I’m so pleased for Zubimendi who took a lot of responsibility in midfield. Looked sharp, won his duels, mopped the ball up and grew in possession as the game went on – made some nice forward runs too. He needed that.”
On a night where Rice was visibly crocked (he barely moved in the second half), I'm so pleased for Zubimendi who took a lot of responsibility in midfield. Looked sharp, won his duels, mopped the ball up and grew in possession as the game went on – made some nice forward runs too.…
— Phil Costa (@_PhilCosta) April 15, 2026
A third Arsenal fan raved about the European Championship winner’s showing as well, stating: “Really good response from him tonight. His duelling has been top notch. His progression has improved from the last game. Even his attacking play and runs into the half-space have been good.”
Really good response from him tonight.
— Uzumaki Tony (@thearsfamily97) April 15, 2026
– His duelling has been top notch.
– His progression has improved from the last game.
– Even his attacking play and runs into the half-space have been good. https://t.co/vfXISwcsNT
Another supported lauded the 27-year-old’s performances against the Portuguese side and Bayer Leverkusen recently but stressed that he must step up to the plate against Manchester City this weekend, claiming: “Had a good game today Was the same vs Leverkusen at home But let’s see if he can rise on Sunday, sport is about consistency and he’s got to show it.”
Had a good game today
— AJ (@AJ__SR7) April 15, 2026
Was the same vs Leverkusen at home
But let’s see if he can rise on Sunday, sport is about consistency and he’s gotta show it https://t.co/rJeb6oVQbB
A fifth Arsenal fan reacted to a statistic emerging about Zubimendi only being the second midfielder to have recorded a 100% success rate after having contested more than five duels in a Champions League knockout game since Rodri against Copenhagen by simply writing: “My DM [defensive midfielder].”
My DM https://t.co/llVEPSjnJI
— Twitch – Nasoboy (@FullsendAbdul) April 15, 2026
Finally, a sixth supporter claimed that the midfielder has been the club’s best signing this season after Piero Hincapie, claiming: “They doubted you. But I trust you. Still my best signing of the season bar Hincapie.”
They doubted you. But I trust you. Still my best signing of the season. Bar hincapie https://t.co/7v43OxmRXw
— JOSH (@savagejoshh) April 15, 2026
Zubimendi must be delighted to see Arsenal fans worldwide showering him with praise for standing out for the hosts against Sporting.
Martin Zubimendi stats vs Sporting
The San Sebastian-born technician will be determined to stay consistent and give his side the best chance to lift both the Premier League and the Champions League this campaign.
Zubimendi’s statistics from his latest performance against Sporting indicate that he is a man on a mission.
| Martin Zubimendi stats vs Sporting CP | |
| Duels won | 6/6 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
| Dispossesed | 0 |
| Accurate passes | 48/54 (89%) |
| Passes into the final third | 5 |
| Chances created | 2 |
Defensively, the Arsenal maestro was virtually faultless, having won all of his duels whilst not being dribbled past even once during the contest.
However, even in possession, Zubimendi was never dispossessed, misplaced just six out of his 54 passes despite being progressive and playing five of them in the final third, which included two created chances.
