Mikel Arteta praises Noni Madueke after he replaced Bukayo Saka and delivered an outstanding display in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Leeds United.
Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Noni Madueke after the winger played a key role in Arsenal’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Leeds United, a result that eased recent pressure on the Gunners following a run of three winless Premier League games.
Arsenal arrived at Elland Road still feeling the sting of a damaging 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United, but responded in style with a dominant performance.
Madueke, who was named man of the match, was central to Arsenal’s early dominance. He wasn’t supposed to start, but with Saka injured in the warmup, Madueke was thrown into the fray, and he didn’t disappoint his manager.
He produced a superb cross for Martin Zubimendi to head home the opener before delivering a dangerous corner that resulted in Karl Darlow punching the ball into his own net just before half-time.
Madueke Registers His First Premier League Goal After One Year
The 23-year-old seized his opportunity, registering his first two Premier League goal contributions for Arsenal. Interestingly, Madueke has gone a full year without scoring in the Premier League.
Madueke had shown flashes of brilliance at Chelsea and even since joining Arsenal, but there has been little end product to it. The decision to buy Madueke frustrated many Arsenal fans, subjecting him to online abuse, with Rio Ferdinand and Ian Wright having to step in.
Madueke has shown his ability with a thumping goal for Arsenal in the UCL against Club Brugge, but he’s not scored in the PL for Arsenal yet. The winger was elated to have gotten the gaol and Arteta was quick to praise him.
“We keep telling them to be ready because the most unexpected moments are going to be thrown in the battle, and it happened in the warm-up,” Arteta told Arsenal.com. “Noni was certainly ready. The way he prepares every day is fantastic, and he made a difference for the team.”
The display was a timely reminder of Madueke’s quality, and should Saka’s injury be serious, he is firmly in contention to start against his former club, Chelsea, in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
