Noni Madueke shines as Arsenal’s strength in depth emerges once again

The sight of Noni Madueke flying past defenders and placing dangerous crosses into the box will be a welcome sight for Mikel Arteta.

Madueke’s performance in Arsenal’s 4-0 thrashing of Leeds will have been even more well-received, given that he was named in the starting line-up minutes before kick-off after Bukayo Saka suffered a thigh injury in the warm-up.

The 23-year-old set up Martin Zobimendi’s opener, before seeing a corner kick powered past Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow to score Arsenal’s second goal, as Arteta’s men moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Madueke signed for Arsenal from Chelsea this summer – with some fans questioning the move – in a bid to bolster squad depth and provide cover should key player Saka suffer injuries.

During his 60 minutes on the field, the English winger showed why the club made this decision.

Arteta said: “He was ready. Because you can’t do it in two minutes. I think the way he prepares, the way he waits for the opportunity, paid off today because he really influenced the team.”

While Arsenal await a diagnosis on the extent of Saka’s injury, Madueke will hope to start again in Tuesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against former club Chelsea.

Saka and Madueke are also competing for a place in the England squad with the World Cup looming in the summer. Will the latter now get the chance to start pressing his own claim?

“Noni Madueke was a really good player, especially when he came on so late in the game,” former England midfielder Fara Williams told the BBC’s Final Score programme.

“It’s an opportunity for him and he’s done well. When he went to Arsenal and Saka was injured, he had the opportunity to play some games, and then he got injured himself.”

“When he was playing for England, he showed what he could do. He will be a headache for both coaches, Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel, in the summer.”

Former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin added on Final Score: “Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke are both internationals, and they are both doing a fantastic job.

“Saka is likely to start [for Arsenal and England] Because it is the better of the two, and it is more harmonious. But it’s a big headache to have.”