Arsenal’s summer recruits impressed in a 3-0 victory over Athletic Club Bilbao, with Viktor Gyökeres netting his first goal for the club. England winger Noni Madueke also delivered an eye-catching second-half display.
Deployed on the left wing—unlike his usual right-sided role at Chelsea—Madueke played with purpose and directness, quickly making an impact. He produced a superb cross for Gyökeres to double his tally, though the Swede was denied by the post.
Even without that assist, Madueke’s lively showing left Arsenal fans full of praise, sparking excitement over his potential impact in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Arsenal Fans Impressed With Madueke
Noni Madueke, who spent most of last season playing on the right wing for Chelsea, was deployed on the left in Arsenal’s win over Athletic Club Bilbao—and looked more than comfortable there. One Gunners fan summed it up:
“I like Madueke on the left. He can do more than just one thing…combines with others nicely and is so comfortable on the ball, as well as being able to put his head down and rely on his pace. Good cameo today—hasn’t hurt his selection chances at all.”
Arsenal travel to Old Trafford next Sunday to face Manchester United, making it a bold call for Mikel Arteta to start Madueke. Still, his lively showing won over plenty of supporters:
“I really like Noni Madueke. So far, so good.”
Fans praised his direct, positive style:
“A winger who will beat his man 1v1 and put in a cross.”
Initially, some were sceptical about signing a perceived Chelsea cast-off, but his display against Bilbao has begun to shift opinions.
Viktor Gyökeres also caught the eye, answering critics who claimed he couldn’t head the ball. His well-taken goal—and a near miss from a pinpoint Madueke cross—earned applause:
“Nahhhh, that Madueke ball into Gyökeres was filthy.”
Madueke replaced Gabriel Martinelli at half-time. While Martinelli has had standout moments for Arsenal, some fans feel his influence has faded:
“Madueke should start LW next Sunday. Martinelli’s bar was very low, but he passed it.”
“He’s better than Martinelli, that’s for sure.”
Whether Arteta starts the England international against Manchester United remains uncertain, but Madueke has already made a strong first impression.
