Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has shared his honest reaction after Alexis Mac Allister’s antics during the 1-0 Premier League win over Liverpool yesterday.
The Gunners secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Reds at Anfield on Sunday. They ended a 14-year wait for a win at the stadium, and Madueke played his part.
The Englishman was initially doubtful for the game with an ankle issue, but managed to recover in time. He put in a good shift, both offensively and defensively.
One of the major highlights yesterday was his altercation with Mac Allister. The Reds star had slapped Martin Odegaard on the back of his head, which led to a confrontation.
Madueke, who was already on a yellow card, barely made contact with Mac Allister’s forehead, but the World Cup winner dropped to the ground, trying to get him sent off.
The referee and VAR judged that there was no force involved and Madueke survived a booking.
Speaking to ViaPlay after the game, Madueke said that he should have exchanged shirts with Mac Allister after the win.
He added that the Argentine tried to bait him into getting a red card, and it was a natural movement on his part.
He said: “To be honest, I wish I did. I don’t think it’s anything. Whether it’s a yellow card or a red card.
“The referee didn’t think that. VAR didn’t think that. So we all agreed there. It’s a natural movement.
“He’s obviously clever. He tried to bait me into getting a red card there.”
Madueke only brushed Mac Allister’s head slightly while looking at the footage, and he was somewhat lucky that the VAR agreed with the on-field referee.
On another day, things could have been different, and Arsenal could have found themselves a man down, which could have changed the game’s complexion.
Looking as an Arsenal fan, it was very embarrassing for Mac Allister indeed. He tried the hard-man act with Odegaard, only to start play-acting moments later.
The Liverpool ace had a good game. He squandered a big scoring chance in the first half. His dramatic moment probably took some gloss off the performance.
Arsenal’s win over the Reds has taken them three points clear at the top of the league table.
They host Hull City at the Emirates on Saturday and will have the opportunity to go six points clear of Manchester City, who face Nottingham Forest away later in the day.
The Gunners’ immediate focus will be on the Champions League game at Slavia Prague on Tuesday night. Madueke played the full 90 minutes yesterday, but his workload could be managed midweek.
Max Dowman is only suspended domestically for another two matches, and the 16-year-old could get an opportunity on the right wing in the second half against the Czech giants.
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