Noni Madueke
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s revamped frontline showcased its potential in a dominant 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, but winger Noni Madueke insists the Gunners’ attack is only beginning to find its rhythm.
The England international, making his second Premier League start since his summer move from Chelsea, played a pivotal role in the win, delivering a performance that earned him a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Madueke’s direct running and pinpoint delivery tormented Forest’s defence throughout the match. His corner set up Martin Zubimendi’s stunning volley for Arsenal’s opener, while Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres combined for the Swede’s third goal in red and white. Zubimendi sealed the rout with a looping header from a Leandro Trossard cross just a minute after the Belgian’s introduction.
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Madueke’s 10 first-half crosses were unmatched by any Arsenal player in a Premier League opening 45 minutes since Samir Nasri in 2009, according toArsenal.com.
Most crosses. Most touches in the opposition box. Most duels won. Most chances created. Most successful take-ons. Most tackles. Most fouls won.
Noni Madueke. Wow. pic.twitter.com/veHTn1faXO
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) September 13, 2025
Reflecting on the performance, Madueke highlighted the instinctive chemistry he shares with Eze. “I think it’s instinctive, Ebz and I play similarly in terms of we don’t really think much, we just play what we see,” he said.
Despite the fluid display, Madueke believes the trio of himself, Eze, and Gyokeres, bolstered by Arsenal’s summer signings, has yet to hit its peak.
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Manager Mikel Arteta echoed Madueke’s optimism, praising the winger’s courage and quality. “A lot of courage, that’s how I describe him,” Arteta said. “When we were about to sign him and there was that reaction around him, I spoke to him and he was like: ‘I go for it, I cannot wait to put that shirt on and play for you guys.’ I said, wow, let’s bring him.”
Arteta noted Madueke’s physicality and ability to sustain high-intensity efforts, calling him “a different specimen.”
The victory was not without concerns, as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off in the first half with a recurring shoulder injury. Despite the injury setbacks, including the absence of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s summer recruitment proved its worth.
Zubimendi’s brace and Gyokeres’ clinical finishing underscored the depth Arteta now has at his disposal.
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