Arteta lavishes praise on Arsenal star who 'can do whatever he wants'

Mikel Arteta declared it ‘game on’ in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Chelsea, as he hailed the ‘phenomenal’ Martin Zubimendi for making sure they will take a slender lead into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

In Liam Rosenior’s first game in charge at Stamford Bridge, the Blues lost, though were missing Reece James, Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Moises Caicedo – all either through injury, illness or suspension.

Arteta was frustrated his side did not take their chances to secure a fourth goal which might have killed this tie, but he showered Zubimendi with praise, not only for scoring Arsenal’s third but for his overall performance.

‘We had the feeling at the end, after it became 3-1 and with the dominant period we had, that we had two massive chances to score the fourth,’ Arteta said.

‘The result would have been very different, but in that moment, they had an action, they created a corner, they scored a goal, and it’s game on. That feeling, it’s not perfect, but we have to value what the team has done again.

‘When we talk about Zubi, what else can he do? He can do whatever he wants. It's a bit similar to Declan's qualities. We just have to keep unlocking that in his system, in his brain, because he's so good at occupying different spaces.

‘He’s carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels, and he has a talent when he gets into the final third and into the box. He's so composed. He sees the picture very clear. What he did today, it's phenomenal.’

At full-time, there were arguments between both sets of players after a lively contest, with Rosenior proud of how his players battled with so many of their team-mates missing.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made glaring mistakes for Arsenal’s first two goals, but Rosenior took full responsibility, saying: ‘I’m asking Rob to do things he hasn't done before. I said to him before the game, and I made this really clear, when my players make mistakes, I'm accountable. That's on me. He made a save in the second half that was absolutely world-class.

‘That could have put us out of the tie. I'll stay positive with him, as I will with all the group. My job is to help them, not to blame them.’

On his absentees, Rosenior explained: ‘Jamie Gittens was ill last night. Liam Delap was due to play today and was ill four hours before the game. Both of them had really high temperatures – dangerously high.

‘For Cole, this game just came too early for him. He had a little minor strain in his thigh. Reece had a big knock on his hip. It was too sore for him. Moises Caicedo was suspended. Malo Gusto was out. I was proud of the bravery of the players.’