Madueke's winner against Forest shows his value as more than a substitute
Noni Madueke came off the bench to score Arsenal's winner at Nottingham Forest, and Mikel Arteta praised his increased conviction as the winger fills in during Christos Tzolis's injury absence.
Noni Madueke scored Arsenal's second-half winner at Nottingham Forest to secure three points in their Premier League title defence. Introduced at half-time, the England winger struck in the 80th minute with a deflected shot after cutting inside onto his weaker right foot, saying he had beaten his marker on the outside earlier and decided to come inside and shoot.
The goal capped a run of three strong performances. Madueke started the previous league win over Leeds, where Arteta said he seized the opportunity, then started on the right wing in the midweek Champions League victory over Lille and assisted the opening goal. He has made just one top-flight start this season, with most of his minutes coming from the bench or in the Carabao Cup.
His chance has widened because Christos Tzolis, the summer arrival brought in to replace Leandro Trossard and the first-choice winger this season, is out with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty. Arsenal's summer search for an elite forward, including unsuccessful moves for Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez, ended with Tzolis as the only addition in that position, leaving Madueke and Eberechi Eze largely on the bench.
Arteta described Madueke as a special character who is well liked around the dressing room, and said the winger is showing another level of anger and conviction and becoming decisive. The manager added that Madueke is comfortable on either flank but has played far more on the right, where the team currently needs him.
Supporters have not always warmed to Madueke since his £48.5m move from Chelsea; a petition against his signing followed his arrival, and his inconsistency and end product have drawn criticism. He contributed eight goals and four assists in 43 appearances last season as Arsenal won their first title in 22 years and reached the Champions League final.
Arteta's use of substitutes, which he calls finishers, has been effective: since the start of last season Arsenal's bench has contributed to 26 Premier League goals, more than any other side. He rejected the idea of over-reliance on them, noting the team has won 10 of 11 competitive matches in varied ways, and said he expected spaces to open against a well-organised Forest once the physical level dropped.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
