Noni Madueke’s half-time substitution in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City left many surprised.
The summer signing was arguably Arsenal’s brightest spark in the first half, tormenting Nico O’Reilly and whipping dangerous crosses into the box, even forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a brilliant save. While introducing Bukayo Saka made sense, few could argue that Madueke’s performance warranted the switch.
Saka was clearly brought on with hopes of picking up where Madueke left off and nothing more. Even so, Madueke had every reason to hold his head high on the bench. He played his part, delivering a 45-minute performance that drew nothing but praise from the English media.
Media reacts to Madueke’s display
The Daily Star wrote:
“Arguably Arsenal’s brightest player in the first half, the former Chelsea winger caused City problems with his direct running and on the half hour mark wriggled past two opponents before cutting back a teasing ball from the byline, to no avail. Can count himself unfortunate to have been withdrawn at half-time for Saka.”
Football London echoed those sentiments:
“Had the beating of O’Reilly, finding ways to drive to the byline and put some dangerous passes into the box that no one was there to meet. Forced a good save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, which nearly led to a goal and was unfortunate to be replaced at half-time.”
The Sun added:
“He would have been fuming to have been sat on the bench after being hauled off at half-time for no other reason than to let Saka take his place, despite being Arsenal’s best and most dangerous player in the first half.
“Another baffling Arteta decision…”
The trailer Madueke dropped in the first half had many eager for him to release the whole movie in the second. While his final ball still needs refining, Madueke looks to have found his feet at Arsenal. He is slowly but surely proving he was worth every penny of the £52 million Arsenal paid Chelsea.
Perfect tactical tweak?
When Gabriel Martinelli came on, he slotted in on the right wing, with Saka shifting to the left. Surely that is a hint Arteta is considering a Saka-left, Madueke-right setup. And that should spell trouble for Arsenal’s opponents.
Your thoughts on Madueke against City? Who stood out for you against City?
Daniel O
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I agree that Madueke looked like our most dangerous player in the first half, I noticed that Saks looked way better than him in the second half. In just a few weeks I had forgotten what a good player Saka is.
Is not about dazzling to the byline is about doing the right thing at the right time saka is five times a better player than him
Wednesday the Carabao kicks off for Arsenal and in those types of matches Madueke shines. In that particular position flank players are hugely expected and it’s their primary job to score goals, do assists or gets fouled in dangerous spots. Neither of these I saw from Madueke though he played almost in every match. Compare what Madueke did against Barnes murphy gakpo Salah mbuemo etc. Seriously speaking Madueke lacks end products. He threatens but doesn’t sting. When he dribbles opponents are enjoying enough time to organize their defences. He needs time to gel is another thing. No brainer Saka in Madueke out! Afterall those who join us from Chelsea…
It’s being reported (unofficially) that Madueke is out for 11 games!
Sources are on ‘news now Arsenal’ so could be suspect.
Cue the
‘ we would have won the league had he not got injured ‘ 😔
And Gabriel wasn’t even responsible this time. These injuries are maddening.
If Madueke is injured, today can be taken as the day he has officially signed for the AFC. He did it in a shorter space of time. Is it a carried over injury from the club world cup or for dazzling at Arsenal? Time of Dowman has come substituting Saka.