Arsenal fans had plenty to celebrate from the 3-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao, including a player combination that could be “revolutionary”.
Arsenal were rampant in Saturday’s friendly at the Emirates Stadium as they picked Athletic apart and won both the game and the ensuing penalty shootout.
Viktor Gyokeres opened his account with a 34th-minute header, something that will hopefully become more and more common throughout his time at N5.
Bukayo Saka made it 2-0 a few minutes later and Kai Havertz netted a superb late effort before the Gunners won 6-5 in the penalty shootout.
While Gyokeres’ first Arsenal goal took the spotlight and Riccardo Calafiori was deemed a “unicorn”, Gunners fans were especially impressed with what they saw in midfield.
Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice of Arsenal talk during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal and Athletic Club at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2025
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal fans stunned by Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice pivot
Arsenal fans were treated to a masterclass from Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice,
“The double pivot of Zubimendi + Rice might actually be revolutionary to the solutions Arteta wants in the midfield,” one fan wrote on X.
“The rotations, space explosions, movements between the lines, dropping deeper to dictate play and all of the passing instincts.”
Another supporter said: “Zubimendi × Rice pivot is a delight to watch. Arsenal is so blessed to have him, and he might turn out to be our best signing of the summer.”
The praise kept coming, with one fan writing: “Rice x Zubimendi is Arteta’s legit dream pivot, he wouldn’t change it for anything lol.
“Crazy we finally got it, he’s wanted them both since 2022.”
Another said: “These two will feed generations as a double pivot. So much class.
“They have everything: composure, goals, assists, passes, tackles, free kicks, through balls, carries, football IQ and much more.”
Another said: “They’ll be saying Zubimendi-Rice is the best double pivot in Europe by the end of next season BOOKMARK IT.”
And another wrote: “Rice x Zubimendi is balance in its purest form.
“Together, they cover ground, dictate rhythm, and ensure both stability and progression. Power + poise. Steel + symphony.
“This is a midfield axis built to last.”
Manchester United fans are not looking forward to Rice x Zubimendi
Mikel Arteta had opted not to start Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi together up until Saturday’s game.
It was more than worth the wait as Arsenal’s midfield ended up delivering a masterclass that has got alarm bells ringing among rival fans.
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