What Noni Madueke said to Eberechi Eze speaks volumes for Arsenal after Mikel Arteta outburst

Noni Madueke has sent a clear message to Eberechi Eze after both Arsenal players made their Champions League debuts in the 2-0 win against Athletic Club.

Second half substitutes Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli both scored at the San Mames Stadium with the latter grabbing the opener after just one minute on the pitch. The Gunners had to ride the storm at points but it was another strong defensive performance and a fourth clean sheet already this season.

"What an amazing place to play football, and I say one of the best atmospheres that I've played," Arteta began when discussing the game in his post-match press conference.

"A really tough match. We knew that the first 20 to 25 minutes were going to be really tough, especially the way they played. So intense, a lot of direct play, a lot of goals. And I think after that, we started to grow throughout the game.

"In the second half, we were much more dominant and looked much more of a threat. And at the end, the conditions, they made an impact for us to win the game. And overall, very happy."

Given the task at hand, Arteta went strong with Declan Rice returning to the starting XI, Viktor Gyokeres up top and Eze off the left. The latter was deployed there for last Saturday's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest but found matters much harder in Europe.

On a number of occasions, he was dispossessed while also committing multiple fouls. There was also a moment in the first half when Arteta could be seen shouting at Eze to stay on the touchline after he drifted inside with Riccardo Calafiori moving into a central area from left-back.

Eze does prefer to play in a central role, but his versatility to also operate out wide makes him a valuable asset for Arsenal, though it may take some time for Arteta's demands of him to be on show.

Nonetheless, it still would have been a momentous moment for him with the 27-year-old barely able to contain his smile when discussing it alongside Madueke last weekend.

"I can't lie when Ebs and I came off we were talking about it," Madueke said on TNT Sport after the win over Forest. "It's going to be special, it’s our first time playing in the Champions league so something to thank god for. Definitely going to go on the pitch and play our best and try and get a win for Arsenal!"

The duo were able to help see that last statement come true with Madueke then sending a fresh message to Eze on Instagram.

He captioned the story: "Blessed! @eze [fingers crossed emoji]." Madueke later uploaded a post of him and Eze smiling as the Champions League anthem was played. He wrote: Living in answered prayers! [fingers crossed emoji]."

Arsenal's next Champions League game sees Olympiacos travel to Emirates Stadium, but the immediate focus will be on this Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester City.

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