Walcott claims Madueke now has teammates' trust after Hull win

Theo Walcott believes Noni Madueke has won over his Arsenal teammates, with the winger's influence proving decisive once again as the Gunners edged past Hull City 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Madueke caused problems down Arsenal's right flank throughout the game, and it was his shot, saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis, that fell for Martin Odegaard to score the winner in the 72nd minute after reacting quickest to the rebound.

The 24 year old has faced criticism from sections of the Arsenal fanbase since his £52 million move from Chelsea last year, but Walcott insists Madueke has now found his footing under Mikel Arteta.

‘I think he's just playing with that freedom and confidence,’ Walcott told Premier League Productions. ‘I think the players around him understand if he loses the ball they'll get it back for him, and they trust him and they're giving him the ball more and more often because he does things that other players won't be able to do.’

Walcott draws on his own winger experience

Walcott, who spent over a decade at Arsenal as a winger himself, acknowledged the inconsistency that often comes with the position but pointed to Madueke's resilience as a key trait.

‘He can be frustrating, and you get that inconsistency with wingers, I was one of those at times who you'd get frustrated with. However, they'd always go and go again,’ Walcott said. ‘I feel like it's always a full back, go back to your strengths as wingers, don't overthink things, play with that freedom.’

He elaborated further on what makes Madueke effective in Arteta's system. ‘His decision making, he gets shots away, he has the freedom to get into the area and to be dangerous and to get your rewards. I think if you're relentless at the defenders, you keep them guessing all the time and that's what he does, he keeps defenders guessing. He's difficult isn't he.’

Different to Saka, but equally impressive

Walcott also drew a comparison with Bukayo Saka, Arsenal's long standing presence on the right wing, while praising Madueke's own distinct qualities.

‘He's a different player to Bukayo Saka as well, he does things a little bit different, I've been really impressed with him because he's had to be patient,’ Walcott added.

Madueke has had to compete for minutes since arriving from Chelsea, often rotating with Saka across the forward line. His performance against Hull City, culminating in the shot that led directly to Odegaard's winner, will likely strengthen his case for more regular involvement as the season progresses.

Arsenal will look to build on the narrow victory as they continue their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts this season, with Madueke increasingly looking like a player Arteta can rely on in tight contests.