Arsenal's lead at the top of the Premier League table was cut to four points after they were surprisingly beaten 3-2 by Manchester United on Sunday. The Gunners played with a nervousness and anxiety unbefitting of potential champions, with the home crowd audibly frustrated with their team throughout proceedings in north London.
Arsenal took a big step towards the Carabao Cup final by edging past Chelsea 3-2 in this dramatic, all-London semi-final first leg, but Mikel Arteta's side will be left feeling they probably should have put the tie to bed having twice seen a two-goal lead pegged back at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi had the Gunners in control throughout this topsy-turvy contest, but a second-half brace from substitute Alejandro Garnacho ensured Chelsea have something still to play for at the Emirates in three weeks' time.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has hailed Martin Zubimendi, claiming that the midfielder has been "unreal" after the Gunners beat Bournemouth 3-2 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. Mikel Arteta's side moved six points clear of Aston Villa with their victory on the south coast.
The Christmas period is upon us, which means we are somehow already more or less at the midway point of the 2025-26 football season. As many of Europe's leading leagues pause for the winter break, it's time to take stock and reflect on four scintillating months of action. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed transfers across the continent in the summer, now that they have a decent sample size of games under their belts.
As we reach Christmas and approach the midway point in the Premier League season, the time has come to reflect on the first half of a campaign that has delivered drama and unexpected twists in abundance. It's also the opportune moment to assess those players who completed a transfer to, or within, the English top-flight back in the summer, with a decent sample size of games now under their belts.
Alex Song has never been short of self-belief, but the former Arsenal midfielder has ignited fresh debate after boldly declaring that he would start for Mikel Arteta’s current side ahead of stars Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Now 38 and long retired, the ex-Cameroon international insisted that the prime version of himself would walk into almost any top European team.
Arsenal midfield star Martin Zubimendi is blown away by a Gunners team-mate who has 'surprised' him the most. Zubimendi joined Arsenal this summer, 12 months after he rejected a move to the reigning Premier League champions Liverpool. The Spain international has had an immediate impact on Mikel Arteta's side, who are leading the title race this year and have been in exceptional form thus far.
Former Spain star Gaizka Mendieta believes that Martin Zubimendi is becoming just as important to Arsenal as Rodri has been for years at Manchester City. The Gunners completed a £52 million move for the Real Sociedad midfielder over the summer, despite stiff competition from Real Madrid. Now, only being at the club for a few months, he is already being hailed as a vital component to their success.
This time last year, the narrative around Chelsea's meeting with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge focused on whether Cole Palmer had reached Bukayo Saka-levels of stardom. He had taken west London by storm during his first year with the Blues and was spearheading an unlikely title charge through the autumn. Now, though, the debate between the two rivals has shifted to midfielders Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.
European champions Spain have all-but qualified for next summer's World Cup after crushing Georgia 4-0 on Saturday evening. Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and strikes from Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres saw Luis de la Fuente's side maintain their 100 per cent record in Group E, on an evening when second-placed Turkey also defeated Bulgaria 2-0.
Martin Zubimendi is stuck at the centre of a bitter row between former clubs Real Sociedad and Antiguoko. Zubimendi has been an instant hit with the Gunners following his move to Arsenal over the summer as the north London side maintain their title push. However, the off-field issues between the Basque pair threatens to overshadow the midfielder's fine start to life at the Emirates.
Martin Zubimendi has revealed the details behind Mikel Arteta’s charm offensive as the Arsenal boss successfully pursued the Spain star’s signature. Arteta landed Zubimendi, who had been linked with Liverpool, and the determination the Gunners boss showed has paid off following his summer signing's impressive start to life in north London.
Heading into the summer, Arsenal fans were told to expect an 'unprecedented' window by transfer reporters. The club held up that end of the bargain, splashing out roughly £250 million ($340m) on new players to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad as they look to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title. Through four games of the season, their recruits look right at home.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi scored his first Premier League goal with a stunning volley which drew comparisons to similar strikes from Real Madrid and France legend Zinedine Zidane. Zubimendi showed incredible technique as he opened the scoring with a fabulous effort in the Gunners’ 3-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon.
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