It was 1-0 to the Arsenal once again on Saturday, with Hull City the latest victims. Although he didn’t score, Noni Madueke played a key role in the victory.
The England international — who hasn’t made the cut for Thomas Tuchel‘s squad ahead of the latest Three Lions fixtures — played the full 90 minutes at the Emirates, helping the Gunners to another crucial win in their Premier League title defence.
While he didn’t get on the scoresheet or assist, Madueke was arguably Arsenal’s star man on the day. The 24-year-old had the most touches inside the opposition box (14) of any player on the pitch, attempting the joint-most shots (4) in the process.
Madueke kept Hull’s full-backs on edge throughout, completing a match-high six dribbles from eight attempts, while he also delivered three crosses and clocked a top speed of 33.7 km/h — the fastest of any player on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal’s unsung hero
Madueke has come in for criticism at times for an apparent lack of consistency in an Arsenal shirt. Indeed, he could do with improving his raw numbers, scoring just four Premier League goals in 33 appearances since joining the club.
However, Madueke is also famed for his work rate, while he’s never afraid to take on a full-back, make a driving run into the box or attempt a dangerous cross. Those qualities are often worth their weight in gold as the Gunners seek to build pressure.
This wasn’t Madueke’s first impressive performance over the past week, either. In fact, he’s stringing together a strong run of form.
The ex-Chelsea and PSV man put Arsenal ahead in their hard-fought 2-1 away win at Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday. Goal aside, Madueke also created one chance, completed three dribbles from six attempts and delivered two crosses — while winning eight of his 13 duels.
That came off the back of an industrious performance away at Liverpool, where he more than played his part in a priceless 1-0 Anfield win. Madueke created a match-high four chances on Merseyside, while he was tireless without the ball, making five recoveries, two clearances and one tackle.
Filling the Bukayo Saka void
Madueke’s rise to form has come at the perfect time for Arsenal, who are coping without Bukayo Saka after he came off injured early in the 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich in October.
This is the second time in succession that Madueke has been snubbed for England. However, while Tuchel has been unimpressed by what the winger has offered recently, Arsenal supporters have started to better appreciate his value.
Most importantly, his contributions haven’t escaped the watchful eye of manager Mikel Arteta, who lavished praise upon Madueke despite him passing up some considerable goalscoring opportunities against Hull.
Arteta said: “The way he reacted to that (missing out on the England squad), I think, is a great example for the rest of the squad, which is, ‘I want to do more.’ He went away, started to train and was a different Noni. He wasn’t going to accept that situation; he meant business. Since then, he has been incredible.”
While somewhat unheralded, these ‘incredible’ performances from Madueke are proving vital as Arsenal move five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
So, while he will be disappointed not to be representing the Three Lions this coming week, Madueke can rest up and return fresh as Arsenal travel to Newcastle after the international break. And he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.