Arteta hails Noni Madueke after impressive display against Leeds

WHAT HAPPENED
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta publicly praised Noni Madueke following the winger’s performance against Leeds United in the Premier League. Madueke started on the left flank after Christos Tzolis suffered a hamstring injury while on Greece duty.

Madueke, who has had limited playing time this season and has generally been behind Bukayo Saka on the right, impressed despite not being a natural left‑sided player. Eye-catching movement and a series of quality crosses featured throughout the match: one right‑footed cross led to Ben White’s headed assist for Riccardo Calafiori’s crucial equaliser, and Madueke was involved in the build‑up to Arsenal’s second goal.

ARTETA ON MADUEKE
Arteta said Madueke had stood out in training in the days before the Leeds game and deserved the start. He commented: "What he's done is raised the level and in training he's been the best player in the last 10 days. He gave me no option not to select him and not to play him today. You could see that every time he was in and around the box, he looked a threat."

KEY CONTEXT
Madueke’s appearance on the left came as a direct consequence of Tzolis’s hamstring issue on international duty. Since the start of the season he has seen limited minutes, usually as backup to Bukayo Saka on the right.