Arsenal star admits Villa win was vital for him & the team | OneFootball

Martin Zubimendi believes Arsenal’s win over Aston Villa on Tuesday was just what he and the team needed at that moment.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Arsenal ran riot in the second half against Aston Villa on Tuesday night, turning a 0-0 half-time scoreline into a 4-1 victory against the Premier League’s third-place side.

It was an important result for the team, as a defeat would have brought Villa level with Arsenal on points and allowed Manchester City to overtake both clubs with a win against Sunderland on Thursday.

Speaking after the game, Martin Zubimendi admitted it was vital to get the victory in front of the home support.

“I think we needed this win because we wanted to stay at the top of the table, and the environment was incredible,” Zubimendi said. “I’m so happy.

“We have to enjoy it, but then take a rest and think about the next one.”

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Zubimendi was one of Arsenal’s second-half goalscorers, netting for the first time since mid-September.

Whilst the midfielder has generally been in very good form for Mikel Arteta’s side, he conceded that it was about time for him to grab another goal.

“I scored two in one game (against Nottingham Forest) and I think I needed to score another one,” Zubimendi said. “I hit the post twice [against Everton], so I’m very happy to score in this massive game.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Goals and assists are far from the primary draw of Zubimendi’s game, but he now has three of each at the midway point of the campaign.

If he ends the season by doubling that tally, whilst continuing to add a lot to Arsenal’s midfield defensively and in the build-up play, he’ll have proven a smart summer addition to the team.