Arsenal: Arteta has discovered a new rhythm for the midfield

16/10/2025 23:05:00 PANDATV

Flexibility in the midfield has never been unfamiliar to Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, but this season, their way of operating the central area has reached a completely new level.

The arrival of two new signings, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, has brought fresh energy—more technical, smoother, and richer in creativity.

A new rhythm for Arsenal

Arteta has always believed in a "breathing midfield," where players continuously swap positions, forming flexible triangles that create space in unpredictable zones. However, the addition of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and Eze from Crystal Palace has taken this idea to a new height. They not only pass skillfully but also move intelligently to free space for teammates, a point Arteta stressed after the 3-0 preseason victory over Bilbao.

"With their qualities and how they complement each other within the same space, we are witnessing a new evolution in our style, making the team more unpredictable and dangerous in midfield areas," Arteta commented.

When Odegaard was sidelined, many feared Arsenal would lose their "creative brain." Yet, the team not only preserved control but became more direct and sharper. Cross-field passes and chips into the inside channels now occur more often, thanks to Zubimendi’s ability to maneuver and position himself, combined with Eze’s keen attacking insight.

A typical example was in the 2-0 win against West Ham before the international break. When left-back Riccardo Calafiori moved into the center, Zubimendi quickly shifted to attract defenders, pulling Mateus Fernandes away from marking Odegaard (before his injury). This created space for Declan Rice to send a through ball to Bukayo Saka breaking free. Although the goal was disallowed for offside, Arsenal’s tactical plan was clear: a system capable of generating chances without relying on a traditional "number 10."

In the August match against Leeds, Zubimendi and Calafiori again moved centrally together, stretching the opponent’s defense by forming a "box midfield" (four midfielders shaping a square). Rice smartly dragged defenders out, opening space for Viktor Gyokeres, who finished with an unstoppable shot. This approach shows Arsenal is developing multi-tempo football, where every position can partake in creative phases.

Zubimendi and Eze are helping Arsenal’s midfield become smoother and more creative.

""Arteta’s tactical "switch"

If Zubimendi controls the pace, Eze is the "spark" at the end of each attacking move. The Englishman is proving he brings not only dribbling skills and creativity but also helps Arsenal attack differently, down the inside flank and half-spaces.

In the 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Zubimendi’s off-ball movement dismantled the opponent’s pressing. When Forest tried to suffocate Calafiori, Zubimendi surged forward to draw defenders, creating space for the Italian full-back to handle the ball freely. With a single touch, Calafiori chipped a pass through to Eze, who sprinted forward, and his cross assisted Gyokeres in doubling the lead. This play perfectly captured Arteta’s philosophy: gaining advantage through clever movement rather than pure speed or strength.

Eze also enables Arsenal’s flexibility in direct attacks into the penalty area. In the Champions League match against Olympiacos, Arsenal attacked directly with quick diagonal passes. As Zubimendi stretched the midfield by moving forward, Mikel Merino had space to pass into the gap for Odegaard.

Another notable aspect is how Eze and Zubimendi support Gyokeres. Arsenal is currently among Europe’s most effective teams exploiting the inside channel. Statistics show nearly 40% of their dangerous chances this season come from crosses or low passes into the zone between the opposing central defender and full-back. This is achievable only when the midfield operates smoothly, with Zubimendi as the key component.

Besides precise passing, Zubimendi also helps Arsenal rebuild pressing and counterattacks. He often "disguises" himself as a third center-back during build-up, allowing Calafiori or Timber to move inside and form a 3-2-5 attacking shape. When Eze moves wide, Zubimendi promptly fills the gap to keep balance.

In the win over West Ham, Zubimendi also made a crucial contribution in the play leading to Jurrien Timber’s penalty. When Eze pushed forward, forcing Fernandes out of position, Zubimendi delivered a precise through ball into the inside lane for Timber to run onto. That moment ended the match and confirmed: Zubimendi is not just the tempo controller; he is the "tactical switch" unlocking all Arsenal’s attacking options.

Zubimendi and Eze are not merely Odegaard’s replacements; they are expanding the creative space for the whole team. Arsenal no longer depend on a single "conductor." Instead, they have a "band" that adapts, flows, and harmonizes.

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