Noni Madueke has reminded Arsenal fans of his quality after his decisive 80th-minute goal secured a narrow victory against Nottingham Forest. While the 24-year-old winger has struggled to secure a consistent starting role this season, his contribution in Sunday’s match served as a potent example of why manager Mikel Arteta classifies him as a vital member of his squad of “finishers.” According to and some of them, Noni, which I was surprised. And the finishers delivered because the context of the game changed a little bit.
The England international entered the match as a half-time substitute and immediately followed the manager’s tactical instructions. Madueke explained that Arteta asked him to remain patient, adhere to the game plan, and look for opportunities to attack the opposition while maintaining defensive discipline. His goal came after he cut inside onto his weaker right foot, providing a deflected strike that beat the goalkeeper. Stick to the game plan, go out there and try to attack the opposition, be dangerous, be yourself and be good defensively as well,” Madueke said, hang in there.
Reflecting on the decision to go inside, Madueke noted that since he had successfully beaten his marker on the outside earlier in the game, he chose to cut back and let rip. This performance follows a string of three consecutive strong displays. Arteta praised the winger for showing “another level of anger” and “another level of conviction” in his recent actions, noting that he is becoming increasingly decisive in key moments.
Despite his current form, Madueke has started just one top-flight match during the current campaign—a 2-1 victory over Leeds United. Much of the summer was characterized by speculation regarding Arsenal’s search for an elite forward, and with new signing Christos Tzolis currently sidelined by a hamstring injury, Madueke has found opportunities limited by competition from Eberechi Eze and his teammates. With the left wing one of the positions identified, arsenal ‘s summer was dominated by talk of their search for an elite forward. The only new addition in that position was Christos Tzolis, the winger brought in to replace the outgoing Leandro Trossard, but after unsuccessful pursuits of world class players such as Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez. However, Tzolis is now out with a hamstring injury picked up while playing for Greece, and that has presented a chance for Madueke to show Arteta why he should be considering the former Chelsea man as much more than a finisher – that’s a term Arteta uses for his substitutes. But I think it is a massive credit and describes the type of person he is. But Arteta is not concerned the Gunners are overly reliant on players from the bench.
Arteta’s reliance on his substitutes has become a hallmark of his management at the Emirates.
Since the start of the previous season, Arsenal’s bench players have directly contributed to 26 Premier League goals, a higher tally than any other club in the division.
The manager maintains that this squad-wide involvement is deliberate, explaining that his philosophy centers on having players ready to impact the game as the physical intensity of the opposition wanes. Talks with people, the way he connects.
Regarding the victory at the City Ground, Arteta noted that he anticipated a tight encounter against a well-organized Nottingham Forest side. However, he maintained belief that as the game progressed, spaces would open up and the bench players would have the efficiency needed to break the deadlock. The win marked the team’s 10th victory in 11 competitive matches this season. We have played 11 competitive matches and we won 10. We are getting a variety of ways to win in many different contexts.
Off the pitch, Madueke is highly regarded within the Arsenal camp. Arteta highlighted the winger’s character, describing him as a special individual who is deeply valued in the dressing room. The manager shared that when players were recently asked who they would turn to in a time of crisis, several teammates named Madueke, much to Arteta’s surprise. It’s someone that’s very much loved in and around the dressing room. I think I saw an interview where they were asking a few of our players ‘who would you call if you had a problem.
Since his £48.5m move from Chelsea, Madueke’s tenure has seen both highs and lows, including a 22-year title drought being broken and a Champions League final appearance. While some supporters have historically questioned his consistency, his ability to influence matches continues to be recognized by figures like England manager Thomas Tuchel, who regards him as one of the best attackers in one-versus-one situations. But since his £48.5m arrival, Madueke has helped the club lift their first title in 22 years and played a big part as Arsenal reached the Champions League final. That mentality is seeming to have the desired effect.
As Arsenal continues its defense of the Premier League title, the versatility of the squad remains a central theme.
Arteta remains unconcerned about any perceived over-reliance on substitutes, emphasizing that his team has developed multiple pathways to victory. With the domestic season progressing, Madueke appears well-positioned to maintain his current trajectory and continue providing the decisive impact that the coaching staff demands. But questions over his end product remain, madueke scored eight goals and provided four assists in 43 appearances in all competitions last season.
