“weapon”
Mikel Arteta reckons Noni Madueke has proved he can be a big “weapon” for Arsenal after shrugging off disgusting online abuse from his new fans.
The £55million arrival from Chelsea has angered some Arsenal supporters because he is the latest signing to have joined from Stamford Bridge.
Yet England international Madueke delivered a hugely encouraging performance as a second half substitute in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
And Arteta also believes the fans inside the Emirates have given the versatile player a massive confidence boost.
Manager Arteta, preparing for next Sunday’s Premier League opener at Manchester United, said: “I think the reception that he got every time he was on the ball, the other day as well, was super-positive.
“I think that lifts any player, it brings energy. You can tell the quality he has every time he’s on the ball, and around the box, on one-v-one. The ball lands so easily to a player in our shirt inside the box and that’s a massive quality to have.
“He can play left and right, he doesn’t care, so he’s a big weapon for us.”
Madueke has given Arteta a welcome selection puzzle ahead of the Premier League opener at Manchester United next Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli did okay against Athletic Bilbao and it was an improvement on the poor display in the 3-2 loss to Villarreal on Wednesday.
Yet Madueke added more of a spark on the left when he came on at half-time. The only concern for Arteta would be that he is not yet 100 per cent match fit after being handed a rest – albeit a brief one – after Chelsea’s Club World Cup success in the United States.
Leandro Trossard is Arteta’s only short-term injury problem and he was ruled out of Saturday’s game with a slight groin problem and should be back in training in a few days.
But there is no chance that Trossard, who could be sold in the next couple of weeks, has any chance of starting Sunday’s tough opening game against United.
