Madueke's 'anger and conviction' shows he can be more than a 'finisher'

What the report says

Noni Madueke’s late winner against Nottingham Forest underlined why Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta values him even when he is not in the starting XI. BBC Sport reported that the 24-year-old England winger scored the decisive second-half goal at the City Ground to secure three points in Arsenal’s Premier League title defence, continuing a run of three strong performances.

Madueke has had limited starts this season, with his only league start before Forest coming in the win over Leeds. Arsenal’s summer recruitment left the club without the kind of elite left-sided forward they had been seeking, and injuries have since created opportunities for players on the bench. Madueke, who joined from Chelsea for £48.5m, has mainly been used as one of Arteta’s “finishers,” the manager’s label for substitutes expected to change games.

Against Forest, Arteta sent him on at half-time and Madueke said he followed instructions to stay patient, attack defenders and remain defensively solid. He scored in the 80th minute after cutting inside and shooting with his right foot, which took a deflection on the way in. Arteta said the winger is showing more anger, conviction and decisiveness, and stressed that he can offer more than brief cameos.

The report also noted that Madueke remains a somewhat divisive figure among some Arsenal supporters, but his output and direct style have made him an important option. He has now scored two goals in all competitions this season and continues to be used on either flank, with Arsenal relying on squad depth to sustain their strong start.