Bug at Arsenal training ground blamed after concern over their flatness vs Manchester United | OneFootball

There is a feeling that a bug that went around the Arsenal training ground may have had an effect on their performance against Manchester United, according to the Independent journalist Miguel Delaney.

The Gunners kicked off the new campaign with a hard-fought and laborious 1-0 victory last Sunday.

The North London club are expected to improve when they host Leeds United at Emirates Stadium tomorrow in their first league game at home this term.

Delaney claimed in his ‘Inside Football’ bi-weekly newsletter today that there was concern over a flatness in their win over the Red Devils in their opening Premier League game of 2025-26.

The BBC reported on Wednesday that Arsenal summer signing Martin Zubimendi was struck by a severe sickness bug last week.

It threatened his participation and potential debut as the Gunners prepared for the Old Trafford trip.

The Spain international midfielder was eventually ruled fit to play, and it is unknown whether it was the same bug which affected others.

The stomach bug saw Zubimendi miss two full training sessions last week, and he was far from impressive on his official Arsenal debut.

However, he was not the only Gunners player far from his best against Man United, and fans are looking forward to an improved performance tomorrow.

A win against the newly-promoted side will come in handy as manager Mikel Arteta and his men look to maintain a perfect start to the new campaign.

They have a tricky run of opening fixtures, with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool next after the match on Saturday.

Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle United are next in line for Arsenal after their Merseyside trip, and winning their opening six games of the campaign would be huge.

They have been tipped to go one better in the Premier League title race this term following some top-notch additions, with Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze expected to join them this weekend.

Arsenal have already signed Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard this summer, and all eyes will be on them going forward.