Martin Zubimendi was on the target for Arsenal for the second successive league game, helping his team win 3-0 against Sunderland. 

His goal came just before half-time, as he drilled one from long-range to open the scoring for the Gunners.

Martin Zubimendi dedicates celebration to Mikel Merino

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

A fan footage circulating on X shows that immediately after his 25-yard screamer hit the back of the net, Zubimendi didn’t just celebrate for himself.

Instead, he made a beeline for the corner flag, replicating the iconic celebration of his teammate and close friend, Mikel Merino, who has been sidelined with a serious injury.

The video, shared by @afcnewsroom shows Zubimendi performing Merino’s trademark corner flag spin, a celebration synonymous with the midfielder since his days at Real Sociedad.

? Zubimendi pulls out the Merino celebration and our fans loved it. ?? pic.twitter.com/EQO3gr115k

— afcnewsroom (@afcnewsroom) February 7, 2026

The two midfielders share a strong bond, having played together in San Sebastián before reuniting in North London.

Mikel Merino is out for the season and could even miss World Cup

The tribute comes at a heartbreaking time for Merino. The midfielder was ruled out for the remainder of the...