Arsenal’s two-goal hero Zubimendi on his start to life at the club, beating Forest and Champions League football | OneFootball

New Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi could hardly have scripted a better weekend.

The Spaniard scored twice in the Gunners’ emphatic 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, matching his entire goals tally from last season with Real Sociedad in the space of one afternoon.

It was the kind of performance Arsenal fans had been waiting for from the elegant midfielder, who was a long-term target of Mikel Arteta before finally arriving in north London this summer. And with Tuesday’s Champions League opener against Athletic Club in Bilbao looming, the timing could not have been better.

For Zubimendi, it is a return to familiar surroundings. Having spent his career in La Liga with Sociedad, the San Mamés stadium has long been one of his toughest away days. Now, he returns not in blue and white, but in Arsenal red, hoping to help last season’s semi-finalists launch another deep run in Europe.

Reflecting on his goals at the weekend, Zubimendi was modest.

“Yes, I think it was important to get back to winning. We were coming off a tough loss (away to Liverpool), so I’m happy for the team and for myself for being able to contribute with those two goals,” he said afterwards.

The first strike in particular, a thunderous volley from distance, had Arsenal supporters on their feet. But Zubimendi insisted it was nothing new. “Honestly, no, I haven’t been practicing it. But it’s true I’ve scored similar goals during my career. It’s a position where I feel comfortable and let’s see if more can come in.”

Beyond the goals, it was his composure and control in midfield that stood out. Arsenal’s passing circuits looked sharper than they have all season, and Zubimendi was central to the rhythm.

“We’re very happy with how the win came about, above all for what we’ve done and for how tough we’ve been at the back, because we didn’t give up many chances,” he explained.

“This win gives us hope to be even more excited for what’s to come next week.”

What comes next could hardly be tougher. Athletic Club at San Mames is one of European football’s fiercest assignments, followed by a Premier League clash with Manchester City. Zubimendi knows it will be a step up, but on the evidence of Saturday, Arsenal may finally have the midfield metronome they have been searching for.