Martin Zubimendi believes Arsenal’s best football is still to come ahead of the start of their Premier League campaign this weekend.
Zubimendi starred in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Athletic Club in their final preseason match on Saturday (August 9).
The Spaniard, who joined Mikel Arteta’s side earlier this summer from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £60m, controlled the tempo of the match beautifully alongside chief playmaker Martin Odegaard and defensive engine Declan Rice.
Zubimendi set up Viktor Gyokeres for the Swede’s debut goal for the Gunners, whipping in a beautiful cross in the first-half for the striker to bury with a powerful header.
Arsenal ended their preseason on a high with the Emirates Cup win over Athletic, capping off a confident display from what is expected to be Mikel Arteta’s starting XI for their Premier League opener against Manchester United.
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The 26-year-old had long been on Arsenal’s radar, with reports suggesting that the Gunners had secured a deal for him back in January.
Now, having settled in London, Zubimendi has issued a stern winning warning ahead of the start of the new season.
What did Zubimendi say?
“It’s a good end to preseason, but the best is yet to come,” he told Arsenal’s official website.
“In the end, the league is the league. We like to compete; we like to win. I’m very happy that it’s starting now.
“It was very easy, the team made it very easy for me,” Zubimendi said of settling in at the Emirates.
“I think the rest of the team have integrated very well, I think the people on and off the pitch are very friendly.
“[Rice and Odegaard] are top players, the best in their position. It’s time to learn, adapt and enjoy it above all.”
Saturday’s performance was also a statement after Arsenal suffered back-to-back preseason defeats to Tottenham and Villarreal.
“It was an important game because we came from two defeats,” the Spaniard continued.
“It’s true that they were friendlies, but this club doesn’t understand defeats in any context, so it was an important game to win and start the preseason with a good feeling.
“Yes, the truth is that this team has to adapt to all contexts, whether it’s losing or winning, with the aim of winning above all.
“Let’s hope we can get through these types of games and do great things.”
Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign with a visit to Old Trafford to face United on Sunday, August 17.
Arsenal news and related links
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- Jermain Defoe urges Tottenham to snatch Arsenal target