Madueke's 'Anger and Conviction' Shows He's More Than a 'Finisher

Madueke's 'anger and conviction' shows he's more than a 'finisher'

Noni Madueke came off the bench to score Arsenal's winner against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and Mikel Arteta says the winger is showing "another level of anger, another level of conviction" as he pushes for a starting role.

Match: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
Venue: City Ground
Winner: Noni Madueke (80th minute, deflected shot)
Madueke's season: One Premier League start (vs Leeds), mostly used as a substitute
Injury blow: Christos Tzolis out with hamstring injury, opening door for Madueke
Arteta's verdict: "He is becoming decisive in matches, which is what we expect from a player like him"

Madueke may not have the starting role he wants at Arsenal, but his winning goal against Forest showed why he is one of Mikel Arteta's valued "finishers". The England international scored with a deflected shot in the 80th minute after coming on at half-time, earning the Gunners a vital three points in their Premier League title defence.

What was said

"Hang in there, stick to the game plan, go out there and try to attack the opposition, be dangerous, be yourself and be good defensively as well."
— Noni Madueke, on Mikel Arteta's half-time instructions

"I'd beaten him on the outside a couple of times so I thought I'll come inside and just let rip."
— Noni Madueke, on his winning goal

"Noni, look at me, a smile on my face because he is a special character. It's someone that's very much loved in and around the dressing room. The way he connects, talks with people. He is just a special guy."
— Mikel Arteta, on Madueke's character

"I think I saw an interview where they were asking a few of our players 'who would you call if you had a problem?' And some of them said Noni, which I was surprised. But I think it is a massive credit and describes the type of person he is."
— Mikel Arteta, on Madueke's popularity in the squad

"He is in a good moment. After the break, he is showing something else, another level of anger, another level of conviction as well as in his actions and he is becoming decisive in matches, which is what we expect from a player like him."
— Mikel Arteta, on Madueke's recent form

"He is a player that doesn't really mind left or right, but he has played many more minutes on the right side. The team needs him there at the moment and he is doing well."
— Mikel Arteta, on Madueke's positional flexibility

Arteta's praise is significant. He has publicly backed Madueke's character and impact, describing him as "a special character" and highlighting his popularity among team-mates. The Arsenal boss also acknowledged the winger's versatility, noting that while Madueke is comfortable on either flank, he has played more minutes on the right – where the team currently needs him.

The quotes also reveal a manager pleased with a player who has had to be patient. Madueke's response to limited starts has been to deliver when called upon, and Arteta's reference to "another level of anger" suggests a player channelling frustration into decisive performances.

The numbers

Madueke's Premier League starts this season: 1 (vs Leeds, a 2-1 win)
Madueke's goal vs Forest: 80th minute, deflected shot
Madueke's 2024-25 stats (all competitions): 8 goals, 4 assists in 43 appearances
Transfer fee: £48.5m from Chelsea
Arsenal substitutes' Premier League goal contributions since start of last season: 26 (more than any other side)

Injury and availability

Christos Tzolis is out with a hamstring injury picked up while playing for Greece. The winger, who was signed to replace the outgoing Leandro Trossard, had started the season well and was Arteta's first-choice winger, meaning Madueke and Eberechi Eze have had to be content with minutes from the bench or in the Carabao Cup.

With Tzolis sidelined, Madueke now has a chance to show Arteta why he should be considered more than a finisher. He started against Leeds and was praised by Arteta as the best player at the club during the international break, with the manager saying the winger "grabbed it with both hands". He also started on the right wing against Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, assisting the opening goal.

Why Arteta trusts Madueke as more than a finisher

Madueke's recent run of three good performances in a row – against Leeds, Lille and Forest – has come at a crucial moment. With Tzolis injured, Arteta needs a reliable option on the flanks, and Madueke's directness and one-versus-one ability make him a valuable asset. The England international is one of Arsenal's most direct players, and England manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff rate him as one of the best players in one-versus-one situations.

Arteta's use of the term "finishers" for his substitutes has been a recurring theme, and Arsenal's bench has been remarkably productive. Since the start of last season, substitutes have contributed to 26 Premier League goals, more than any other side. But Arteta dismissed concerns that his team are overly reliant on the bench, pointing to the variety of ways they have won games. "We have played 11 competitive matches and we won 10," he said. "We are getting a variety of ways to win in many different contexts."

Against Forest, Arteta expected few chances against a well-organised side but believed that as the physical level dropped, spaces would open up. "The finishers delivered because the context of the game changed a little bit," he added. Madueke's goal vindicated that faith and highlighted why Arteta values him as more than just a late-game option.

Talking points

Should Madueke start ahead of the injured Tzolis on a regular basis, or is he more effective as an impact substitute?
Does Arteta's reliance on 'finishers' mask a lack of creativity from the starting XI, or is it a tactical masterstroke?
With £48.5m spent and only eight goals last season, does Madueke need to add end product to his direct running to justify his price tag?
Is Madueke's popularity in the dressing room – as revealed by Arteta – as important as his on-pitch contributions?

What happens next

Arsenal return to Premier League action after the international break, with Madueke pushing for a start. Tzolis's hamstring injury is being assessed, and his absence could give Madueke an extended run in the side. The Gunners face a busy schedule across domestic and European competitions, and Arteta will need his squad players to deliver. Madueke's next opportunity to impress comes soon – and another decisive display could force Arteta to reconsider his starting line-up.

Frequently asked questions

Did Noni Madueke score the winner for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest?

Yes, Madueke scored a deflected shot in the 80th minute to give Arsenal a 1-0 win at the City Ground.

Why is Christos Tzolis not playing for Arsenal?

Tzolis is out with a hamstring injury picked up while playing for Greece.

What did Mikel Arteta say about Noni Madueke's character?

Arteta called him "a special character" who is "very much loved in and around the dressing room" and revealed that some team-mates said they would call Madueke if they had a problem.