"‘Weeks of Struggles’ – Neville Calls Out Unexpected Arsenal Player and Urges Arteta to Make a Crucial Adjustment"

GARY NEVILLE has blasted one of Arsenal’s summer signings and claimed the star has been struggling for weeks.

The former Manchester United man who is one of SkySports lead commentators has even urged boss Mikel Arteta to rethink his midfield setup ahead of the game against .

Gary Neville has named the Arsenal player that is holding the team back and tweaks that needs to be made to end the season strongly Credit: Getty Gary Neville hit out at Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi and said he’s been ‘struggling for Credit: Getty

The Arsenal star came under fire despite the Gunners returning to winning ways withUnited on Saturday night.

Eberechi Eze’s early strike proved the difference as Arsenal climbed back to the top of the table.

But it was far from convincing, with David Raya forced into a string of crucial saves to keep Eddie Howe’s side at bay.

One player who failed to impress was Martin Zubimendi, the

The Spaniard had made a bright start to life in North London, but his recent dip in form has raised eyebrows and Neville did not hold back.

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast , the former defender said: “I thought at the start of the season that Zubimendi was a great signing.

“He’s been a good player for Arsenal, but right now I expected more. This is where he should be stepping up and being the difference.

“You think of players like Pirlo, Scholes, Rodri, those who dictate games, take control and give authority. He’s not doing that at the moment.”

Mikel Arteta is hoping this will be the season that he gets his Arsenal side to beat Man City and win the Prem Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Neville also pointed to a wider tactical issue in Arsenal’s midfield, suggesting the balance is all wrong.

With , Declan Rice and Zubimendi all dropping deep, Arsenal struggled to gain control and ended up with just 45 per cent possession.

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s trio of , Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock dominated the middle of the park.

Neville added: “When Odegaard goes deeper, Rice follows and Zubimendi is already there, you end up with too many players in the same areas.

“You need one sitting, others rotating. Instead, they got outplayed. Newcastle’s midfield was far better.”

He believes Arteta now faces a key decision if Arsenal are to maintain their title push and control games more effectively in the .

Neville’s comments echo those of fellow pundit Jamie Carragher, who recently claimed Zubimendi is “having a tough time” after Arsenal’s defeat to earlier this month.

Despite the criticism, Zubimendi has been a regular this season, making 50 appearances in all competitions and starting 33 of Arsenal’s 34 league games.

Arteta’s men now turn their attention to Europe, having travelled to Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico before hosting Fulham next weekend.