Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points with a 3-2 win over Bournemouth. And one player's exceptional performance has handed Mikel Arteta a serious selection dilemma moving forward.
After a bright start from the visitors, the Cherries were handed a gift from in-form centre-back Gabriel. The Brazilian's careless pass found the unmarked Evanilson, who was left with the simplest of chances to beat David Raya from close range.
However, it wasn't long until Arsenal drew level, and this time they were indebted to Gabriel. Noni Madueke cut the ball back after a smart dribble into the box, allowing the defender to atone for his mistake from close range.
Despite Arteta's side leading the pack at the top of the Premier League table, Bournemouth still caused plenty of problems. But Declan Rice then struck from the edge of the area to put them in the ascendency. And with 20 minutes on the clock, the England midfielder made it three, finishing well after the ball was cut back to him by substitute Bukayo Saka.
However, the hosts simply didn't quit and looked to mount a comeback after Eli Junior Kroupi produced a stunning strike to cut Arsenal's lead in half. Nevertheless, the Gunners were able to shut out their opponents in the time that remained, thereby increasing their advantage over second-placed Manchester City.
Madueke Puts in Memorable Performance vs Bournemouth
Arsenal's Noni Madueke in action with AFC Bournemouth's Adrien Truffert
When Arsenal confirmed the signing of Madueke from Chelsea, there were several supporters who were less than thrilled with the signing. Thousands had signed a petition begging for the hierarchy not to buy him — but the England international has gone on to silence his critics.
Since making the switch across London, the 23-year-old has taken his performances up a notch, providing directness on the right flank and filling in superbly in the absence of Bukayo Saka. Although he's scored three times in the Champions League, a goal or assist in the English top flight has evaded him so far. However, that was all that was missing from his performance on Saturday evening.
While Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres failed to make a consistent impact throughout, Madueke made himself a constant nuisance for Bournemouth left-back Adrien Truffert. Constantly putting him on the back foot, it was the right-wingers dribble and cut back which led to Arsenal's first goal on the night.
He might even have scored himself in the opening minutes had he not blazed a close-range effort wide of the mark. But he was still dynamic in possession, completing two of his four dribbles, and diligent without the ball, looking to get stuck in and win the ball back for his team.
While it's hard to guarantee minutes in his favoured position on the right, considering just how important Saka is to Arteta's setup, Madueke is certainly building a case that he deserves to start regularly. Perhaps, considering Martinelli's struggles and the manager's refusal to play Eberechi Eze, opportunities on the left-side could become more frequent. He has, after all, played there before.
Fans Sing Madueke's Praises After Bournemouth Win
Throughout the game and following his withdrawal in the 67th minute, Arsenal supporters have showered Madueke with praise for what he was able to produce throughout the tie. One wrote: "Madueke the best player on the pitch for Arsenal today."
Another fan added: "Madueke I’ll remember this performance don't worry." And a fellow Gunner questioned Chelsea's decision to sell him in the summer, considering what he's produced for a London rival. They said: "Chelsea really looked at Madueke and decided to sell him? Damn. Not only did they sell him, they sold him to a coach who is more than capable of improving him…."
Others believed that the England international put in an exceptional performance, but added that the best was yet to come, as he could still improve his finishing. One said: "Madueke is crazy 1v1 man. There’s gonna be a year where it all comes together and he racks up numbers." A final fan stated: "Any day Madueke fixes up his final decision making and finishing he will be unstoppable."