Mikel Arteta is buzzing about Noni Madueke's dramatic shift in form, calling his response to limited playing time "incredible" after another standout performance in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Hull City.
Martin Odegaard netted the decisive goal, with Madueke's initial effort being saved before the captain pounced. Despite not being at their fluid best, the victory pushed the defending champions six points clear at the Premier League summit.
Arteta highlighted Madueke's positive reaction to not featuring heavily earlier in the season. "Noni did that, he reacted to not playing often, went away, started to train and was a different Noni," Arteta explained. "He wasn’t going to accept that situation, he meant business, and since then he has been incredible."
Against Hull, Madueke was Arsenal's most electrifying attacker, boasting five successful dribbles and creating multiple chances. He's now averaging an impressive 3.57 chances created per 90 minutes, the highest rate of any Premier League player this season.
Madueke's resurgence is a major boost, especially with Bukayo Saka sidelined. Just months ago, whispers of a January exit, with Atletico Madrid and Juventus reportedly monitoring him, seemed plausible due to his limited involvement. That narrative has completely flipped.
Madueke's improvement, marked by better passing accuracy, crossing, and dribbling compared to last season, shows he's been putting in the work. While his finishing could still sharpen up – he missed opportunities against Hull that could have sealed the win more comfortably – Arsenal now possesses a winger creating chances at an elite level and influencing key games. Adding more ruthlessness in front of goal could soon present Arteta with a welcome selection headache when Saka returns.
