Zubimendi shines at right-back as Lewis-Skelly's furious reaction forces Arteta to intervene

Martin Zubimendi’s composed performance at right-back and Myles Lewis-Skelly’s heated confrontation with officials were the defining talking points as Arsenal beat Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup third round at Portman Road on Tuesday night.

Zubimendi finds a new home at right-back

Spanish midfielder Zubimendi has struggled for minutes since joining Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2025, but a positional switch against Ipswich may have opened a new route into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI. Deployed at right-back, the 27-year-old was involved in Max Dowman’s second goal and was equally assured defensively, reviving memories of a similar outing on the final day of last season when Arsenal won 2-1 at Crystal Palace.

The timing is significant. First-choice right-back Ben White picked up a groin niggle in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Sunderland last Saturday, while Jurrien Timber continues to step up his recovery from a minor groin procedure earlier in the summer. With both options unavailable or limited, Zubimendi’s confident display has strengthened his case to fill the position on a temporary basis.

Arteta steps in as Lewis-Skelly loses his cool

Arsenal’s victory was already secured at 4-0 when Ipswich pulled two goals back through Anis Mehmeti and former Gunners striker Chuba Akpom, but it was Akpom’s goal that sparked the flashpoint. Lewis-Skelly appeared to be dragged to the floor by Akpom in the build-up, yet referee Peter Bankes waved away the appeals. With VAR not in operation in the Carabao Cup until the semi-finals, the goal stood.

At full-time, Lewis-Skelly remonstrated with the officials and followed them towards the centre circle. Mikel Merino initially tried to calm the youngster before Arteta marched over and twice told him to walk away, physically steering him clear of the situation.

The incident added an edge to what had otherwise been a comfortable evening for the Gunners, who maintain their perfect start to the campaign. Arsenal travel to Brighton on Saturday as the Premier League resumes, looking to protect their place at the top of the table.