Arsenal secured a comfortable 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday evening, extending their impressive run of form. As the Premier League season resumes this Saturday with a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion, the Gunners aim to maintain their position at the summit of the league table. The win against Ipswich, while advancing them to the fourth round, also highlighted two significant talking points: the unexpected emergence of midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a new role and the spirited reaction of young player Myles Lewis-Skelly following a contentious goal.
Martin Zubimendi Finds New Purpose at Right-Back
Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has faced limited first-team opportunities this season, was deployed in an unfamiliar right-back position against Ipswich. The 27-year-old seized the chance, delivering a performance that impressed both the coaching staff and the supporters. This tactical shift may now present Zubimendi with his most viable pathway back into Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven, particularly with existing defensive options facing uncertainty.
Ben White, a consistent starter this season, recently sustained a minor groin issue during the 2-0 Premier League victory against Sunderland. This comes at a time when Jurrien Timber is still in the process of recovering from his own groin procedure earlier in the summer. Zubimendi’s previous experience in the right-back role, notably during the final day of the previous season against Crystal Palace, proved beneficial. His involvement in Max Dowman’s second goal against Ipswich and his solid defensive contributions on Tuesday night have solidified his claim for consideration in the right-back position, potentially offering a temporary solution to Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns.
Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025, demonstrated composure and effectiveness in his makeshift role. His confident display suggests he could be a valuable asset in filling the void at right-back, allowing the team to maintain stability as they navigate through the current fixture congestion and injury list.
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Frustration After Controversial Goal
The match also saw a moment of contention involving Arsenal’s young prospect, Myles Lewis-Skelly. Following Ipswich Town’s second goal, scored by former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom, Lewis-Skelly was visibly upset and required intervention from manager Mikel Arteta. The goal, which came when Arsenal held a commanding 4-0 lead, was preceded by an incident where Akpom appeared to pull Lewis-Skelly to the ground. Despite appeals from the Arsenal players, the referee, Peter Bankes, allowed the goal to stand, a decision made without the assistance of VAR, which is not utilized in the Carabao Cup until the semi-final stages.
Lewis-Skelly’s strong reaction to the decision led him to approach the match officials at full-time. He was seen remonstrating with them as they left the field. Mikel Merino attempted to de-escalate the situation, but Arteta ultimately stepped in, firmly instructing the youngster to disengage on two occasions. This incident underscored Lewis-Skelly’s passion and competitive spirit, even in a match that was largely under Arsenal’s control.
Interestingly, after the game, Chuba Akpom was observed joking about the incident with Arsenal players Bukayo Saka and Emi Konsa. Saka reportedly inquired if the challenge was a foul, to which Akpom appeared to nod in acknowledgment. Akpom, who joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of six and made his senior debut under Arsene Wenger in 2013, was returning to his former club in a different capacity.
Looking Ahead: Brighton and Beyond
With the Carabao Cup tie concluded, Arsenal’s focus now shifts entirely back to the Premier League. The upcoming fixture against Brighton presents another significant test for Mikel Arteta’s side as they strive to maintain their impressive early-season form and solidify their position at the top of the league. The performances and incidents from the Ipswich match will undoubtedly provide valuable insights for Arteta as he continues to shape his squad and tactical approach for the demanding season ahead.
The adaptability shown by players like Zubimendi in new roles, coupled with the raw passion displayed by emerging talents such as Lewis-Skelly, highlights the evolving dynamics within the Arsenal squad. While the team celebrates continued success, these moments of individual challenge and adaptation are crucial for long-term development and resilience.
