Arsenal threw cash into the summer transfer window and bolstered the team due to a Premier League title push and injury in the Noni Maduce Test.
Noni Maduke has experienced the whirlwind of his first few months as an Arsenal player. Having seen the £48.5 million move from Chelsea, protesting against several fans, Madueke quickly established himself as the team’s best attacker after his impressive start was shortened by injuries.
The English winger won through his exciting display, even those who opposed signing more players from rival Chelsea. Madueke’s pace, direct playing style and ability to box the cross with either foot became Arsenal’s main offensive outlet early in the season.
The fact that he has not received a goal or assist in six appearances in the Premier League and Champions League as a whole is extraordinary. With Bukayosaka injured, Madueke took over Arsenal’s right-wing creative mantle, terrifying the fullback and threatening regularity.
That he only scored 0.73 in expected assists speaks more of a lack of understanding with Viktor Gyoker and his other new Arsenal teammates than lack of effort.
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So the news that Madueke will be on the sidelines for about two months with a knee injury was a clear blow to Mikel Arteta. Madueke was replaced at halftime in a 1-1 draw against Manchester City over the weekend, with Saka introduced and Arteta having to explain his post-match decision.
The Arsenal manager needs to shuffle his pack. Saka has returned, but Arteta has no Kai Herberts, Gabriel Jesus, or Martin Odegard against the city. He chose to start Madueke and Leandro Torosad on Sunday. Saka, Ebeletieze, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nu Wanelli were out of the bench.
Martinelli scored in his second straight game from the bench and is now certainly pushing the start, but the lack of frustrated supporter Eze in the first half felt the midfield trio of Declan Rice, Martins Vimendi and Mikel Merino.
Speaking before kickoff, Jamie Carrager nailed the colour to his must. “I think Arsenal has the best team in the country, and I believe it,” he said confidently about Sky Sports. “Remember that Odegard, Herberts and Jesus are injured. That bench is as good as the team on the pitch.”
While no one shares that opinion, Arteta now needs to show that he can navigate for the next few months without Maduce. Saka’s return is perfectly timed in that respect, but Martinelli’s impact on the Athletic Club and City cannot be ignored on the other side.
Torosard should return to his “finisher” role on the bench for a tricky trip to Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday. However, after being accused of playing safely against City, the Carabao Cup tie with Portvale on Wednesday provides an opportunity for Arteta to experiment.
Nwaneri can certainly hope to oppose the team sitting in 19th place in League One, but it’s rare for fans to want to see more of 15-year-old Max Dowman. While a victory is expected against Portvalle, being away at St. James Park is a completely different proposition. It’s like Arteta has built a reputation for entrusting the handbrake.
Eze came out of the bench against City and played in the middle as he set up Martinelli’s 93rd minute equalizer on the top. Gyoker will undoubtedly be deprived of the city of deep defense and hope for more service.
Arteta was extremely tough when asked by reporters about the balance in mid-day Sunday. However, the answer to the question raised by Madueke’s unnecessary absence is certainly to start Eze in a central role, with Saka returning to the right, with Martinelli’s pace threatening behind the left.
As Carragher and others pointed out, the Arsenal boss now has a team to deal with such a setback. He must prove that he can make the most of the talent available.
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