Noni Madueke has gone from limited minutes to the highest chance-creation rate in the Premier League, and Mikel Arteta has praised his response. The winger again played a decisive part in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Hull City, but finishing remains the one clear area for improvement. According to Caughtoffside.com.
Madueke’s chance creation puts finishing under the spotlight at Arsenal
Madueke was Arsenal’s most dangerous attacker against Hull City, registering five successful dribbles and creating several opportunities. Martin Odegaard still took the credit at the Emirates Stadium, scoring the only goal after 72 minutes, having reacted first once Kostas Tzolakis saved Madueke’s effort.
The numbers behind that display are striking. Sky Sports reports that Madueke is now averaging 3.57 chances created per 90 minutes, the highest rate of any Premier League player this season. The win, although Arsenal were far from their fluent best, moved the defending champions six points clear at the top.
As reported by Arsenal News, Arteta believes Madueke has transformed his performances after responding positively to limited playing time earlier in the campaign. The manager said the winger reacted to not playing often, went away to train and came back “a different Noni”, adding that “he meant business, and since then he has been incredible”.
Madueke’s improvement matters more while Bukayo Saka is unavailable. A January exit was being discussed earlier in the season, with CaughtOffside reporting in September that Atletico Madrid and Juventus were monitoring his situation after his limited Premier League involvement. That outcome now looks far more remote.
Madueke worked independently during the international break, and his passing accuracy, crossing and dribble success have all improved compared with last season. Finishing is the obvious gap, as he had chances to score against Hull and could have made the win far more comfortable. Sharper end product could leave Arteta with a selection dilemma once Saka returns.
