At a Glance:
- Jamie Carragher was critical of Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s display against Manchester City.
- Carragher pinpointed where Zubimendi struggled in comparison to Rodri and Bernardo Silva.
- The Spaniard has been out of form for a while.
Martin Zubimendi failed to impose himself during Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester City despite having played a plethora of high-stakes games throughout his career.
Zubimendi wasn’t Arsenal’s worst player against City by any means but simultaneously, a European champion should be expected to dictate proceedings in such big games.
Instead, it was Rodri and Bernardo Silva who were calling the shots in midfield during Sunday’s contest.
Jamie Carragher analysed Arsenal’s latest loss on Sky Sports and concluded why the out-of-form Zubimendi had a day to forget.
Jamie Carragher says Martin Zubimendi was not brave on the ball vs Man City
With five games to go until the 2025/2026 Premier League season draws to a close, Mikel Arteta will be desperate to see the Spanish midfielder get his act right.
Arteta heaped praise on Zubimendi’s mentality after he was recognised as Arsenal’s Player of the Match in their recent 0-0 draw against Sporting CP.
Relentless energy.
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 15, 2026
Zubi scoops the UEFA Player of the Match award 🥇 pic.twitter.com/PVJyQSRVID
However, against City, the former Real Sociedad technician looked out of sorts yet again, with his statistics backing up the player’s dip in form.
According to Jamie Carragher, the much-maligned Zubimendi did not show enough courage with the ball at his feet as Arsenal lost the battle against Manchester City in the middle of the park.
“I go back to the courage on the ball and think about Rodri and Bernardo Silva and the flip side, with Zubimendi. He is a European champion for Spain. That’s the guy you’ve brought in to get on the ball, take the ball in difficult situations, in tough arenas.”
“You’re going for the league away at Man City. That’s not good enough. That’s what you’re in the team for. That’s what you’ve been bought for.”
Jamie Carragher pinpointed Zubimendi’s lack of athleticism as well as the 27-year-old failed to close Rayan Cherki down in the lead-up to the Frenchman’s stunning solo goal.
“Declan Rice likes being on the left of central midfield. That’s why he urges Zubimendi to get across. Zubimendi can’t get across and he hasn’t got the legs to.”
Arsenal eyeing potential Zubimendi upgrade
Perhaps Carragher’s criticism of Zubimendi resonates with Arsenal, who have eyed Sandro Tonali for months now.
However, Newcastle’s valuation of Tonali stands at a steep fee in excess of £100 million.
Whether Arsenal choose to sign an upgrade on Zubimendi or persist with him as Declan Rice’s partner in midfield next season could play a key role in their summer transfer plans.
