Noni Madueke might still be fighting for a start at Arsenal, yet his clinching goal versus Nottingham Forest proved why Arteta values him as a true finisher.
The England winger struck in the second half, securing a 1‑0 win and three crucial points in Arsenal’s title defence.
He has only begun one league match this campaign – the 2‑1 triumph over Leeds eight days before the Forest victory.
Arsenal’s summer narrative centred on finding a top‑class striker, with the left flank highlighted as a key area.
After dead‑end bids for stars like Vinícius Jr and Julián Álvarez, the sole newcomer was Christos Tzolis, signed to fill Leandro Trossard’s vacancy.
Tzolis hit the ground running, earning Artetta’s first‑choice winger spot, while Madueke and Eze have largely watched from the bench or featured in the Carabao Cup.
Now sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained for Greece, Tzolis opens a window for Madueke to convince Arteta he offers more than the ‘finisher’ label reserved for substitutes.
When he started against Leeds, Arteta hailed him as the squad’s standout during the international break, saying the winger “grabbed it with both hands.”
He also featured on the right wing – his natural side – in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Lille, delivering the opening assist.
Arteta introduced Madueke at halftime against Forest, noting the youngster carried the manager’s instructions onto the pitch.
“Stay focused, stick to the plan, press the opposition, be dangerous, stay true to yourself and keep solid defensively,” Madueke explained.
A deflected strike in the 80th minute saw him beat Daniel Muñoz, cut inside on his weaker foot and slot home.
“I’d edged him a couple of times, so I cut inside and let it fly,” he recalled.
Arsenal supporters haven’t always embraced Madueke since his switch from Chelsea.
A “No to Madueke” petition emerged at his arrival, and his displays have drawn criticism for inconsistency.
Nevertheless, his £48.5 million fee helped Arsenal end a 22‑year league drought and reach the Champions League final.
He logged eight goals and four assists across 43 games last season, yet doubts linger over his finishing touch. In my view, his blunt style makes him Arsenal’s secret weapon.
One of the Gunners’ most direct threats, he also earns praise from England boss Thomas Tuchel for his one‑on‑one prowess. In my view, his blunt style makes him Arsenal’s secret weapon.
“Noni, look at me, smiling because he’s a special character,” Arteta said when asked about his personality.
“He’s beloved in the dressing room, always connecting and chatting – a truly special guy,” the manager added.
“I heard players name him when asked who they’d call for help – that surprised me,” Artetta noted.
“That says a lot about his character,” Artetta concluded.
The 24‑year‑old now enjoys three solid performances in succession.
“He’s hitting a good stride,” Arteta observed. “Post‑break he shows extra anger, conviction and decisive impact – exactly what we expect.”
“He adapts to either flank, though most of his minutes come on the right. The team needs him there and he’s delivering,” the coach said.
Madueke scores as Arsenal clinch a tight win at Forest
Artetta frequently brands his bench players as “finishers,” underscoring squad depth.
That mindset appears to pay off – since last season, Arsenal’s substitutes have contributed 26 Premier League goals, the league’s highest tally.
Bruno Guimarães netted the winner versus Leeds off the bench, while substitutes Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and captain Martin Ødegaard featured in both Lille goals.
Yet Artetta isn’t worried the Gunners rely too heavily on bench talent.
“We’ve also needed early goals in other matches,” he explained.
“In 11 competitive games we’ve won ten, finding varied ways to prevail in different scenarios,” Artetta said.
He expected few chances against a disciplined Forest at the City Ground, but added, “I believed once the physical intensity dipped, spaces would open and we’d become more efficient.”
“The finishers delivered as the game’s context shifted slightly,” Artetta reflected.