Arteta Hails Madueke’s “Exceptional” Display in Arsenal’s 3-0 Win Over Forest
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Noni Madueke following his standout performance in the Gunners’ emphatic 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Madueke, who joined from Chelsea in the summer, was a constant menace on the right flank, dazzling fans with his pace, dribbling, and creativity. He was one of five summer signings that started the game, alongside Martin Zubimendi, who stole the headlines with a superb brace.
Speaking after the match, Arteta expressed delight at how quickly his new recruits are adapting:
“The new ones that started, five of them today, I was really impressed with them. You can sense and feel that there are new relationships flourishing there. They are going to give us different things to be unpredictable.
Noni, I thought he was exceptional. We played a front three that had never played [together] before. Overall I am very happy.”
The result lifted Arsenal to nine points from four fixtures, putting them temporarily at the top of the Premier League table.
Opinion: Madueke Could Be Arsenal’s Wildcard This Season
For a player who struggled for consistent opportunities at Chelsea, Madueke looks like a man reborn under Arteta. What stood out most wasn’t just his flair, but the confidence with which he played—a sign that he feels trusted and valued in this Arsenal setup.
Arteta’s comments about “new relationships flourishing” are telling. Football is often about chemistry, and while Arsenal’s new-look front three may still be learning each other’s runs, the signs are already exciting. With Zubimendi’s goals, Gyökeres’ presence, and Madueke’s unpredictability, Arsenal suddenly look far more dangerous going forward.
Madueke may not have been the biggest-name signing of the summer, but his pace and directness give Arsenal something different—an x-factor that could prove crucial in the long, gruelling Premier League campaign. If he continues in this vein, he may just go from squad option to undroppable starter.
