2 hours ago
1
Arsenal had a near-impossible task on their hands this summer providing cover and competition for Bukayo Saka. The England winger looks set to be ruled out until at least the season's next international break.
And that sort of news would have been devastating for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta in seasons gone by. But Andrea Berta and Noni Madueke have made a near-impossible job very possible indeed.
The former Chelsea man has enjoyed a bright start to life with the Gunners, after his £52m switch from Stamford Bridge. While he has yet to score, his displays down the right have been full of energy.
His confidence on the ball - and skill when facing defenders one-on-one - are standout features of his game and weapons that he has not been afraid to deploy at the Emirates Stadium and beyond. But it's not just Arsenal who have benefited from Madueke’s early promise.
The 23-year-old was also in the conversation for England's best player of the recent international break; Madueke scoring his first goal for the Three Lions in the 5-0 thumping of Serbia.
Speaking about Madueke ahead of this weekend's clash with Nottingham Forest, Arsenal's boss Arteta said: "I can talk about what I've seen and what I have experienced and I think the welcoming that our supporters gave to Noni from day one it was incredible.
"So, I don't know all the ways that people communicated the disagreement with that. But our supporters, they've been exceptional and rightly so, because he's an unbelievable player."
On how he has claimed Saka's lofty mantle, Arteta added: "When that day comes - when B [Bukayo Saka] is in his best condition and Noni the same - that's what we want, and I'm very happy to have him.
"I think, looking back at what he's done with the national team as well, I've spoken with Thomas [Tuchel] as well, I am very pleased with that. He's really good and he's in a really, really good moment."
Madueke extended his excellent form with another starring role in Saturday's showdown with Nottingham Forest. And he did enough to earn plenty of praise from those watching.
Speaking on commentary, former Arsenal player Martin Keown said: "Yeah, no Saka but it doesn't seem to matter; Madueke exactly the same. He's punished this full-back. He keeps diving in, but thankfully for him he's been moved out of there now.
"But Madueke is looking really good. It's about the connections, though. It's about people getting on the end of his good work, and that's something I'm sure will come in time. But so far, you can't fault what he's done with the ball."
Former striker Peter Crouch emphatically agreed. He added: "Yeah, I think [Murillo going off] was a blow, but I think now with going in centrally now - I mean Madueke had him on toast.
"Nico Williams is going to be slightly better in there. But he's been unplayable, a man full of confidence."
Madueke will certainly be aiming to continue staking his claim for a starting place as Saka continues his comeback. Arsenal have a busy few weeks with Athletic Bilbao and Manchester City to come next up.
If Madueke can continue to shine then Arsenal’s task of replacing Saka will go from near-impossible to very probable indeed.
English (US) ·