It was all in the script really. Sean Dyche's Premier League return, a rowdy Goodison Park and a new manager bounce to pile on the expectation that top of the table Arsenal would sweep the floor with Everton. As soon as Frank Lampard was sacked fans knew it wouldn't be that simple.
Such was the way in which the Gunners fell to just their second defeat of the season there may have been cause for a serious inquest in previous years. The late defeat to the same opposition in December 2021 was the defining moment for Mikel Arteta's turnaround last season.
It proved to be the end of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang whilst a push for the top four was mounted in the months that followed. Here, the defeat was different. On paper it should be a minor blip for a side that are showing week on week to be by far the best in the country.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has already confirmed Arsenal plan for Folarin Balogun as starlet topples Mbappe
It is for this reason, plus Tottenham's win over Manchester City on Sunday, that fans aren't calling for their players' heads nor are there cries for wholesale changes against Brentford. Such is the attention to detail and the quality of attention that has gone into the process, Arteta knows that the outcome so far this season has been deserved and that a return to the high performance levels should bring about an immediate response.
However, despite being five points clear at the top with a game in hand this isn't the completed squad. The short-term addition of Jorginho on deadline day signified that. When it comes to midfielders there are several options.
Moises Caicedo is the obvious one after his winter pushing for a move away from Brighton. Declan Rice is another strongly linked whilst Jude Bellingham will be desired by many. Although a lesser known name may well be the real answer.
Martin Zubimendi was a rogue option that has been looked at by the club and has also attracted attention of other clubs across Europe for his work at Real Sociedad. The 24-year-old has a long contract in Spain but could be available for around £40m in the summer.
He isn't a household name for many but his quietly impressive performances in La Liga make him a data gem. It is one of these pieces of statistical analysis that might make him so appealing. Having conceded from a set-piece at Everton, James Tarkowski's towering back-post header enough to seal the game, the physicality of the side may be called into question.
Jorginho is far from the mobile and physical presence of Thomas Partey whilst even Ben White at full-back couldn't match the power of Everton's direct approach. Zubimendi, to his credit, has the best aerial success rate of any of the 199 midfielders to have contested at least 150 aerial duels since the start of the 2019/20 season, as per
.
His success rate of over 70% is more than Rodri, Paul Pogba or Aurelien Tchouameni and could make him the perfect fit for Arsenal in the summer. It is too soon to pick up on major trends but the Gunners have conceded from set pieces against Manchester United and now Everton in recent weeks and Zubimendi's quality in the air might make him an even more desirable candidate in midfield.
READ NEXT:
Ben White tipped for new Arsenal role after what happened against Manchester United and Everton
Kyle Walker makes Arsenal and Manchester City Premier League title admission after Spurs loss
Jesus, Smith Rowe, Nelson - Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Brentford clash
Arsenal miss out on double transfer audition as Nice make Nicolas Pepe announcement
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
