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Post-match ratings from opposition media often focus on players who started ahead of more established teammates. A convincing result does not always protect those who began the game when the final scoreline is secured by substitutes. Individual errors and missed opportunities tend to stand out more clearly once the match has been decided.
Wide players who contribute an assist can still receive low marks if their overall end product is judged to be poor. Driving runs that create space do not always compensate for technical lapses when the final ball is required. French outlets that cover European fixtures regularly apply that standard to visiting teams.
Centre-forwards who receive limited service also face scrutiny when they fail to influence the game in other ways. Physical battles lost and a lack of shots in favourable positions draw criticism even in matches that end in comfortable victories. The combination of those factors produces a clearer picture of who the away press felt underperformed.
French media outlets have labelled Noni Madueke a ‘flop’ after Arsenal’s 3-0 Champions League win over Lille. The England international started on the right wing ahead of Bukayo Saka and provided the assist for Jurrien Timber’s opening goal, yet still received low ratings.
GFFN gave Madueke 4/10 and wrote: “The English winger was given the nod ahead of Bukayo Saka, and he barely repaid Mikel Arteta’s faith in him as he missed most of his crosses. Fortunately, he’s heavily involved in Timber’s opener before being hooked and replaced by Saka, who logged two goal contributions from the bench.”
Maxi Foot rated him 5.5/10 and said: “Selected ahead of Saka, the Arsenal winger was too sloppy. And yet, his driving runs caused problems for Perraud and allowed him to make a real impact. However, when it came to the final action, the former Chelsea talent was error-prone and lost possession frequently due to technical lapses. Even so, before coming off, he provided the assist for Timber’s opening goal.”
So Foot also named him a ‘flop’ with a 4/10 rating and commented: “If he fired rubber-bullet launchers instead of taking set pieces, he wouldn’t have hit anybody.” Madueke was replaced by Saka, who scored and assisted in the second-half period that produced all three goals.
Viktor Gyokeres also received critical assessments after starting ahead of Kai Havertz. Foot Mercato gave him 4/10 and wrote: “Struggled to make an impact against a particularly solid Lille defence. Frequently involved in physical battles, he notably lost a crucial duel against Bentaleb in the 28th minute. His first-half performance was far from convincing.”
Maxi Foot awarded another 4/10 and said: “A particularly lacklustre performance from the Arsenal centre-forward. Rarely found by his teammates, the Swede was tightly marked by the Lille defenders during duels. Never receiving the ball in favourable positions, the former Sporting Portugal striker was unable to pose any threat to Özer’s goal.”
So Foot named Gyokeres Arsenal’s other ‘flop’ alongside Madueke, giving him 2/10 and adding: “Can’t wait for the matches against Bosnia and Poland in November so this star player can shine!” Arsenal’s goals came from Timber, Eberechi Eze and Saka after the interval. The French ratings focus on the two players who started but did not influence the final result in the same way as the substitutes.