Mikel Merino Reacts to Arsenal Change with Zubimendi Message: ‘What is Going On?’
Mikel Merino took to Instagram after Arsenal’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest to highlight the unexpected goal threat coming from midfield.
Martin Zubimendi was the hero at the Emirates, scoring either side of half-time to seal the win. The Spaniard opened the scoring with a superb volley from the edge of the box before Viktor Gyokeres added a second. Zubimendi then struck again to complete his brace — already matching his entire goal tally from last season at Real Sociedad, but in 24 fewer games.
After the final whistle, Merino shared a celebratory post which quickly surpassed 90,000 likes. Writing about his teammate, he said: “3 goals and 3 points! Atmosphere was amazing!! What is going on with our midfielders lately?! Congrats on your brace!! @martin_zubimendi. Flying to Bilbao next. COYG.”
Zubimendi playfully replied with laughing, handshake, and heart emojis. Merino himself has also been in fine scoring form, having netted a hat-trick for Spain during the international break.
Manager Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Zubimendi afterward, especially his first strike: “I take zero credit for that execution — the timing, the way he connects with the ball, the way it travels in that trajectory.”
Arteta added that Zubimendi’s authority, composure, and growing ability to add goals and assists gives Arsenal “another dimension.” He also stressed the importance of new signings like Zubimendi making an instant connection with supporters, saying it builds confidence and ambition.
On the wider impact of Arsenal’s summer arrivals, Arteta concluded: “We’ve tried to create the right environment, and the quality is there. You can see they’re going to add so much value to the team.”
