Noni Madueke makes Arsenal promise after Rio Ferdinand's 'disgraceful' blast

Noni Madueke has promised that Arsenal's revamped attack will only improve following their commanding 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest. Summer acquisitions Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres comprised Arsenal's forward line in a dominant display for Mikel Arteta's team.

Madueke built upon scoring his maiden England goal with a stellar showing down Arsenal's right flank, filling in for the sidelined Bukayo Saka. Speaking following the victory against Ange Postecoglou's side, Madueke remarked: "We probably could have scored even more goals, but that's the process.

"We're four games into the season. We've got our Champions League game (against Athletic Bilbao) on Tuesday and as the season goes on, you'll see an even more clinical Arsenal side."

Eze made his debut start for Arsenal since his blockbuster £60million switch from Crystal Palace, earning the most enthusiastic reception from the Emirates faithful before kick-off. However, it was Madueke's name that echoed around the ground repeatedly as the home fans celebrated his scintillating display.

The 23 year old received rapturous applause when substituted during the second period. This represented a dramatic turnaround from the social media criticism surrounding Madueke's move from Chelsea, which former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand branded at the time as an "utter disgrace".

Arsenal manager Arteta praised Madueke, stating: "He (Madueke) obviously has a lot of quality but a lot of courage, too. We were about to sign him and there was that reaction around him. I spoke to him and he was like, 'Pzzzt, I go for it, I can't wait to put that shirt on and play for you guys'."

Arteta continued: "And I said: 'Well, let's bring him. If I was convinced before, I'm more convinced now that he's going to do it'. He has such a power and has such a capacity to repeat efforts. And to be able to do that physically, you have to have a different specimen, and he's certainly that."

"He's very skilful, very unpredictable, so willing to learn, and he brings joy. I look at him and he's always smiling, he's always trying things. He gets one wrong, he goes again. And that's what I love about the creative players, because you need that to be successful. He was exceptional today."

Arsenal face Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League opener in Spain on Tuesday.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.