By the hour mark, Mikel Arteta had decided Noni Madueke’s frustrating evening had gone on long enough. After another forward run ended with a goal kick, the Arsenal manager turned away and signalled for Bukayo Saka to end his warm-up.
Madueke possesses the pace, close control and dribbling ability to become a match-winner. Those qualities persuaded Arsenal to pay £52m for the former Chelsea forward, despite supporter opposition to the signing. The hashtag #NoToMadueke even trended on X.
But his finishing and final delivery continue to prevent him from consistently reaching that level. Against Lille, he produced an excellent run down the right and an inviting cut-back after 18 minutes, only to follow it with a cross that missed everyone.
Several other deliveries in the first half were similarly overhit. Arteta’s frustration became clear when he stopped trying to hide it and called Saka to come on before the scheduled interval.
Asked about Madueke’s lack of end product, Arteta said: “I said when you talk about players being clinical. And what is clinical? Clinical sometimes means that they score five.
“So, yeah, it’s about generating volume and more actions and getting him into the good position because he will decide matches. He had a really big contribution a few days ago. Today he had a contribution in the last final pass as well. And that’s it. We need to get the players to that level, to be decisive in every game if possible.”
Madueke nevertheless caused Lille problems with his first touch, acceleration and ability to carry the ball past defenders. He often controlled passes out of the air with precision, while his close dribbling made it difficult for Lille’s midfield and defence to dispossess him.
The talent is evident. Converting it into decisive performances is the next challenge.
Saka’s arrival changed the match. He created a goal for Eberechi Eze and scored himself, while Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard also came on as Arsenal moved from a wasteful first half towards a victory that secured three points.
Had Madueke made a greater impact, Saka might have been rested or used only briefly. Instead, the England forward was needed to finish the job, despite the workload and injuries that have affected him over the past two seasons.
Arsenal’s next generation may also increase the pressure on Madueke. Max Dowman made a short appearance after 85 minutes, while 18-year-olds Ceadach O’Neill and Maalik Hashi were included in the squad, as reported by Daily Mail Sport on Tuesday morning.
O’Neill made his competitive debut for Northern Ireland during the international break, despite efforts from the Republic of Ireland to persuade him to change allegiance. With Christos Tzolis injured, he could receive further opportunities.
Dowman and Marli Salmon are among the other young players to emerge from the Hale End academy and join the first-team set-up. Lionel Messi recently included 16-year-old Dowman in his top 10 future talents.
Arsenal have also gone 17 home group-stage or league-phase Champions League matches unbeaten since 2015, winning 16 and keeping 14 clean sheets. After last season’s final in Budapest, that record suggests they are equipped to go further this time.
For Madueke, however, the message is clear: Arsenal need his ability to produce more regularly, or his place may be at risk in the coming months.
