0 tackles: £60m star was Arsenal's worst player vs Man Utd, Arteta must rest him vs Kairat
Arsenal suffered a disappointing 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Gunners made a strong start against the Red Devils at the Emirates Stadium and deserved to go 1-0 ahead.
However, there were nervous moments thereafter, and midfielder Martin Zubimendi eventually gifted United with the equaliser.
Zubimendi’s poor back pass towards goalkeeper David Raya paved the way for Bryan Mbeumo to level the scores with ease.
United took the lead through a Patrick Dorgu wonder strike early in the second half. Zubimendi should have done better in the lead-up.
Mikel Merino bagged a late equaliser, but Matheus Cunha scored a sublime 87th-minute winner for United with another fine strike.
There were many disappointing displays yesterday, but Zubimendi was undoubtedly the worst of the lot after his big blunder.
It was the Spaniard’s second high-profile mistake in the league after the one against Tottenham Hotspur. That did not prove consequential as Arsenal were leading 3-0 at the time.
However, yesterday’s error proved costly as the Gunners suffered their third defeat of the season.
Zubimendi had a poor game overall. He won four duels on the day, but failed to register a single tackle and made just one recovery.
He was eventually substituted before the hour mark, and we believe the £60 million star should be fully rested against Kairat in midweek.
The Spanish ace has started four games in the space of just 11 days, and his workload needs to be carefully managed to avoid burnout.
With Mikel Merino and Declan Rice suspended and Ethan Nwaneri out on loan, manager Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make on Wednesday.
Arsenal are already guaranteed a top-two finish in the league phase of the Champions League, and should see out Kairat with a comfortable win regardless of the team on paper.
If Martin Odegaard is rested too, Arteta should consider playing Myles Lewis-Skelly and Christian Norgaard together in central midfield with Eberechi Eze in the number 10 role.
Kai Havertz, who is being managed with extra caution after his lengthy knee injury, could make a substitute appearance in midfield against Kairat.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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