Mikel Arteta was not the only figure from Arsenal left frustrated after their disappointing result against AFC Bournemouth, as goalkeeper David Raya also appeared to echo his manager’s sentiments by pointing to Martin Zubimendi as a decisive factor in the game.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Raya did not hide his disappointment, describing the dropped points as “painful” given the team’s ambitions this season. The Spanish shot-stopper admitted that Arsenal struggled to maintain control in midfield, something he believes ultimately allowed Bournemouth to grow into the game.
“We knew they had a player who could control things from the middle,” Raya said. “Zubimendi made it very difficult for us. He was always in the right position, breaking our play and starting theirs. When you let someone like that dictate the tempo, it becomes very hard to stay on top.”
Raya’s comments closely mirrored those of Mikel Arteta, reinforcing the idea that Arsenal’s inability to deal with Zubimendi’s influence was central to their struggles. From his position at the back, Raya had a clear view of how often possession was turned over in dangerous areas, forcing the defence into uncomfortable situations.
“There were moments where we were pushing forward and suddenly we lost the ball, and they were coming at us,” Raya continued. “That’s something we have to manage better. It’s not just about defending in the box, it starts from how we control the game in midfield.”
Despite the criticism directed at Martin Zubimendi, Raya was also quick to stress that the responsibility lies with the entire team. He acknowledged that Arsenal failed to capitalize on their own chances and lacked the sharpness needed to put the game beyond Bournemouth’s reach.
“It’s a collective thing,” he added. “We win together and we drop points together. But of course, we have to learn from this because in matches like these, small details make a big difference.”
The result leaves Arsenal with ground to make up in the title race, and performances like this will raise questions about their ability to handle high-pressure situations against well-organized opponents. For Raya, however, the focus is already on the response.
“We have to react immediately,” he said. “There’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We know what we’re fighting for, and we have to show it in the next game.”
Meanwhile, AFC Bournemouth will take pride in a disciplined and effective performance, with Zubimendi’s control in midfield standing out as a key reason behind their success. His display did not go unnoticed, especially by those on the opposing side who felt his presence throughout the match.
For Arsenal, the message from both manager and goalkeeper is clear: failing to deal with influential players like Martin Zubimendi can prove costly at this level. And if they are to remain serious contenders this season, they must ensure that such lessons are quickly absorbed and addressed on the pitch.