Arsenal head into the break with a crucial advantage after Martín Zubimendi produced a moment of real quality to put the Gunners 1–0 up against Sunderland late in the first half.

It had been a frustrating and disjointed opening 40 minutes for the home side, who struggled to find rhythm and fluency in their attacking play. Sunderland, well-drilled and disciplined, kept their shape effectively and limited Arsenal to speculative efforts from distance, while also looking dangerous on the counter. The Emirates crowd grew increasingly restless as misplaced passes and broken moves halted any early momentum.

Great goal by Martin Zubimendi. pic.twitter.com/VRqXSlAaPA https://t.co/t4QHZMgQuF

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) February 7, 2026

But just when it seemed like Arsenal would go into halftime to the sound of murmurs rather than applause, a flash of creativity changed the mood entirely.

The breakthrough came in the 41st minute, and it owed much to the cleverness and composure of Leandro Trossard. Picking up possession in a crowded central area, the Belgian forward showed quick feet and sharp awareness, drawing two Sunderland defenders toward him. Instead of forcing a shot or losing the ball under pressure, Trossard calmly slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Zubimendi, who had found a pocket of space just outside the penalty area.

The Spanish midfielder still had plenty to do. Taking a steadying touch to set himself, Zubimendi unleashed a powerful right-footed strike that flew low and true toward the centre of goal. The shot clipped the inside of the post on its way in, giving the Sunderland goalkeeper no chance and sending the home supporters into a wave of relief and celebration.

It was a goal that showcased both technical quality and composure under pressure — exactly what Arsenal had been lacking for much of the half. Zubimendi’s willingness to shoot from distance and his clean connection provided the cutting edge the Gunners had struggled to find in the final third.

Beyond the goal itself, the move was a reminder of how dangerous Arsenal can be when their forward players combine quickly in tight spaces. Trossard’s intelligence between the lines and Zubimendi’s timing in arriving just outside the box split open a Sunderland defence that had otherwise looked comfortable dealing with crosses and slower build-up play.

Sunderland, for their part, will feel the timing of the goal was a cruel blow. They had executed their game plan effectively for long stretches, pressing selectively and staying compact, while also showing flashes of attacking intent. Conceding so close to halftime forces a rethink, as they now have to chase the game rather than simply contain.

For Arsenal, the goal could prove a turning point not only in the match but in confidence. After a laboured start, heading into the dressing room with a lead allows Mikel Arteta’s side to reset, regroup, and potentially play with more freedom in the second half. The crowd, subdued for much of the opening period, were lifted by the strike and will expect a more assertive display after the interval.

If the first half was about patience and frustration, the final moments before the whistle belonged to a single moment of precision — and to Martín Zubimendi, whose superb finish has given Arsenal the platform they desperately needed.