Madueke handed Saka's role with Arteta's side desperate for a new leading man
Bukayo Saka's quad injury has forced Mikel Arteta into a reshuffle, and Noni Madueke looks to be the man handed the responsibility of filling the void on the right. Initial fears suggest Saka could be out for as long as eight weeks, according to the Evening Standard, which means Arsenal need a new focal point on that flank sooner rather than later.
Madueke had spent recent weeks competing with Eberechi Eze for the left wing spot, a battle that was always likely to be temporary with Christos Tzolis expected back from injury within the next week or so. That competition has effectively been shelved now that a bigger opportunity has opened up on the opposite side.
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Who's out, who's back and what it means for the next two games.
A fresh audition at the Emirates
Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton marked the first match without Saka available, and it doubled as an audition for Madueke in his new role. Thomas Tuchel was reportedly in attendance at the Emirates Stadium to watch on, with Madueke having been left out of the last England squad. He was one of only a handful of players to remain at Arsenal's training ground during the extended three week international break, giving him time to work on his game.
There appears to be a concerted effort from both Arteta and his teammates to keep Madueke's confidence high, given his tendency to blow hot and cold. At one point in the first half, after a loose pass broke down an attack, Madueke threw his head up in frustration. Arteta immediately sprinted to the edge of his technical area to applaud the winger, with Martin Odegaard offering similar encouragement.
Madueke's understanding with Ben White is still developing and is naturally some way off the partnership White has built with Saka over several seasons together. At one stage White voiced his frustration at not being played in on the overlap, though the pair had a lengthy exchange soon after and appeared to work through it on the pitch.
Volume over precision
Madueke is not the most ruthlessly efficient winger in his decision making or execution, but he is a volume player who keeps trying. In the first half he cut inside sharply and drove into the box before dragging a shot just wide, then moments later brought a ball down out of the air, swivelled and fired into the side netting.
He was visibly enjoying himself throughout, at one stage laughing in Vitaliy Mykolenko's face after the Everton defender took a heavy touch that gifted Arsenal a corner. Madueke was quieter after the break, though it was notable that when Max Dowman came on for the closing ten minutes, Arteta withdrew Eze and shifted Madueke to the left, showing his willingness to use him across the front line.
With fixtures against both Manchester clubs, Liverpool, Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid all coming up before Christmas, Madueke now has a genuine opportunity to stake a long term claim on the right side of Arsenal's attack while Saka is sidelined.
