Liverpool v Arsenal FC - Premier League 2026/27
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Noni Madueke has had his fair share of critics since his £50million move from Chelsea.
There’s never been any doubt about his pace or directness, but the final ball has often been frustrating, and plenty of fans have questioned whether he’s really at the level Arsenal need. With Bukayo Saka out for a while, we need to find out more than ever. The numbers this season, though, suggest something is clicking.
Noni Madueke tops the Premier League for key passes
According to WhoScored, Madueke is averaging 3.5 key passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League this season, more than any other player who has played at least 200 minutes. He’s ahead of Rayan Cherki (3.4) and Marcus Rashford (3.3).
But there are even more underlying stats that look favourable for Madueke. Analyst Billy Carpenter compared him with 54 Premier League wingers in total, and using data from Gradient Sports, the Arsenal man ranks first for open-play crosses completed (1.4 per 90), and second for carries into dangerous positions, crosses into dangerous positions and passes into dangerous positions.
In total, he’s created 14 chances in 338 Premier League minutes and completed half of his 16 dribbles. Of course, he’s still missing that end product. He has just one goal in the league — his winner at Nottingham Forest — and is yet to register an assist.
That will come. You could see the difference in his game at Anfield on Sunday, where he was Arsenal’s outlet as they went long to escape Liverpool’s press. In Munich, he made an impact too, showing he can go from controlled to havoc in a split second. And on top of all that, he’s an athletic freak who can physically bully any full-back in the league.
Noni Madueke has the chance to find his rhythm
He’s already earning more of Mikel Arteta’s trust. Last season, his first in north London, Madueke didn’t complete 90 minutes in a single Premier League game. This season he’s already done it three times, and he also did so in the big Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Now he’s about to get a proper run of games. With Saka injured and Max Dowman suspended for the Premier League games against Hull and Newcastle, Madueke is all but guaranteed to start on the right.
That gives him the chance to build rhythm and turn these promising numbers into goals and assists. Give him consistent minutes and everyone will start to recognise what he brings.
First, though, there’s Slavia Prague tonight. Dowman’s ban only covers domestic games, so it will be interesting to see whether Arteta rests Madueke and throws the 16-year-old back in on the right.