Madueke’s winner strengthens his case for a bigger Arsenal role

Noni Madueke came off the bench to score Arsenal’s winner against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, underlining his growing influence as the club’s substitutes continue to make a decisive impact. [1]

The England winger cut inside and scored with a deflected shot in the 80th minute, securing three points in Arsenal’s Premier League title defence. He said he had been told to stick to the game plan, attack Forest and remain dangerous while working defensively.

Madueke has started only one league match this season, but has impressed in recent appearances. He began Arsenal’s previous league game, a 2-1 win over Leeds, and assisted their opening goal in Tuesday’s Champions League victory against Lille. With first-choice winger Christos Tzolis sidelined by a hamstring injury, Madueke has an opportunity to press his case for more starts.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Madueke had shown “another level of anger, another level of conviction” since returning from the international break, and was becoming decisive in matches. He also praised the 24-year-old’s character and said he was doing well on the right, where he has played more often.

Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea for £48.5m and recorded eight goals and four assists in 43 appearances last season. The BBC reports that Arsenal substitutes have contributed to 26 Premier League goals since the start of last season, more than any other side. Arteta said the team had found “a variety of ways to win” and that the game’s changing conditions had created the space for his substitutes to make a difference.