Arsenal fans have been reacting on social media after watching the Gunners’ pre-season match against Athletic Bilbao.
On Saturday afternoon, Arsenal continued their pre-season preparations by hosting La Liga side Athletic Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium.
New marquee signing Viktor Gyökeres broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a superb header, before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead just two minutes later. In the second half, Kai Havertz sealed a 3-0 win with an 82nd-minute strike.
While Gyökeres celebrated his first goal for the club, much of the fan praise online went to fellow summer arrival Martin Zubimendi, signed from Real Sociedad. Supporters were impressed by the Spaniard’s all-round display — both defensively and offensively — and particularly by his assist for Gyökeres’ opener.
Arsenal supporters were quick to heap praise on Martin Zubimendi after his impressive display against Athletic Bilbao.
One fan simply declared: “Zubimendi you baller.”
Another wrote: “Zubimendi is the catalyst to Arsenal’s success. He recognises the players’ strengths and enhances it through his support play. Brilliant.”
A third commented: “Zubimendi btw, massive baller.”
And one particularly excited supporter added: “Zubimendi is gonna change our lives, man.”
A fifth supporter boldly claimed: “You saw it here first, Zubimendi is winning the Ballon d’Or next season.”
Another added: “Zubimendi is way too good.”
Speaking after his arrival at Arsenal, Zubimendi highlighted the club’s growth mindset: “The most important thing about this club is that they learn from previous seasons. I think the lessons they’ve learned from how last season ended will be key to getting even closer to this year’s targets. Ultimately, I believe that football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League.”
Reflecting on last season’s semi-final, he continued: “I feel that Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG [Paris Saint-Germain], and they let it slip because of minor details.”
Arsenal now turn their attention to next weekend’s Premier League opener — a high-profile clash against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
