Arsenal v Wigan Athletic - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Eberechi Eze was ‘unbelievable’ in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Wigan, says Noni Madueke (Picture: Getty)
Noni Madueke picked out Eberechi Eze for special praise following Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Wigan, applauding his team-mate on an ‘unbelievable’ performance.
Eze has faced some criticism in recent weeks, with the attacking midfielder struggling to make a significant impact on the back of a high-profile £67.5million move from Crystal Palace.
Further questions were asked about Eze’s role under Mikel Arteta as the 27-year-old England international was removed at half-time in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday.
But this weekend, Eze silenced his critics with a resurgent display as the Premier League secured themselves a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with an emphatic victory over their League One opposition.
The former Palace man assisted Arsenal’s first two goals, setting up Madueke before finding Gabriel Martinelli with an exquisite through ball, and was lively throughout in the absence of the injured Martin Odegaard.
It remains to be seen if Eze will keep his place in Arteta’s starting XI when Arsenal return to top-flight action away to lowly Wolves on Wednesday evening.
‘Yeah, he was unbelievable today,’ Madueke said of Eze’s impressive showing in his post-match interview with TNT Sports.
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Arsenal v Wigan Athletic - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Eze assisted Arsenal’s two opening goals (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal v Wigan Athletic - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
The Gunners put their League One opposition to the sword (Picture: Getty)
‘He pulled all the strings from the middle and had a hand in all the goals so I’m really pleased for him.’
On the Gunners’ progression into the fifth round, Madueke added: ‘I’m very pleased. We were very professional, we had the right intent… four goals and a clean sheet.
‘These games can be tricky sometimes if you don’t apply yourself properly but that wasn’t the case today so we’re really happy.’
Arsenal v Wigan Athletic - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Madueke broke the deadlock at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)
Madueke got Arsenal up and running with a calm and composed finish after only 11 minutes at the Emirates – his third goal in five appearances in all competitions.
‘I thank God for my goal and for the win,’ the former Chelsea attacker continued.
‘That’s my job, to try and help the team every time I play, and that’s my focus.
‘When we win it’s much better than when we draw, like we did against Brentford the other day.’
According to Madueke, Arsenal’s fanbase ‘have every right’ to be excited about what trophies they could get their hands on over the coming weeks and months.
‘I think the fans have every right to be excited,’ he explained.
‘We’re working hard to try and deliver the type of season which I think it ought to be, with the way we’re performing right now. That’s our main focus.
‘It’s exciting but we need to carry on just doing the right things every single day and see where we are at the end.’
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