Arsenal secured a third straight victory after a 1-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on the road yesterday.
The Gunners had played out 0-0 draws in the last two visits to City Ground, and it seemed the same result was on the cards.
However, Noni Madueke made the difference. He scored an 80th-minute winner with a deflected shot with his weaker right foot.
The Englishman came off the bench at the interval, replacing Eberechi, who had a poor showing from the left side of the attack.
Eze registered just nine passes and lost possession eight times. The 28-year-old failed to attempt a single cross into the box all half.
Madueke brought an instant change of energy. He mustered 16 passes and attempted six crosses from the left flank.
Ultimately, he showed bravery to shoot with his weaker right foot, which paved the way for the winner via a big deflection.
Madueke poised to start vs Bayern
The £52 million signing had a tough start to the season with Arsenal, playing just 40 minutes in the league and Europe before the international break.
Madueke lost his England spot due to limited playing time, and there was speculation that he could leave Arsenal next year, with Atletico and Juventus keen.
The 24-year-old has responded brilliantly since the season restart. He provided a crucial cross from the left wing in the lead-up to Riccardo Calafiori’s equaliser against Leeds United.
The former Chelsea man followed it up with an assist for Jurrien Timber’s goal against Lille. Madueke was unlucky to start on the bench yesterday, but made his mark with a late winner.
In our view, Madueke has now established himself as the left-wing regular in Christos Tzolis’ injury absence. Eze had a forgettable display against Forest and had almost no influence.
Madueke capitalised on his opportunity after his half-time substitution, and he looks poised to start when the Gunners take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Arsenal will travel to Munich for the much-awaited encounter. Madueke scored in a 3-1 win over Bayern last term, and should relish the challenge against the reigning German champions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com