Noni Madueke's Champions League debut was a landmark moment in his Arsenal career, with the 23-year-old scoring two goals in their 3-0 victory over Club Brugge. The England international's all-action performance showcased his versatility and ability to beat a defender, offering a reminder of his talents as one of five players brought into the side after Saturday's defeat at Aston Villa.
Madueke has a tough task dislodging Arsenal's key player Bukayo Saka on the right wing, but against Club Brugge he demonstrated that he can be more than a rotation option for manager Mikel Arteta. His £48.5m signing from Chelsea was questioned by some supporters before picking up where he left off after returning from injury in November.
The 23-year-old is the first Arsenal player to score their first three goals for the club all in European competition, and it was his all-round performance that impressed onlookers. He told TNT Sports after the win: "I think the bare minimum I need to give to my team is threat. Obviously trying to score and be as decisive as possible, that's the next level I need to get to in terms of being consistently decisive for club and country."
Arteta has challenged Madueke to maintain this level, stating that consistency is key. The manager said: "I think at this level you want to win games - you need individual players to step up and do something different." Arteta's words come as the team now gets some options back in forward areas with Gabriel Jesus returning from injury and Martin Odegaard available again.
Madueke's goal against Club Brugge was described by BBC Match of the Day pundit Chris Sutton as "unbelievable" and a reminder that he is a smart signing. The former Chelsea striker added: "More and more, Madueke looks like a really smart signing." With the team fighting on all fronts, including in the Champions League and league, Arteta's aim is to win both competitions, with Sutton suggesting they have the luxury of possibly resting players in their next game against Inter Milan.
Madueke has a tough task dislodging Arsenal's key player Bukayo Saka on the right wing, but against Club Brugge he demonstrated that he can be more than a rotation option for manager Mikel Arteta. His £48.5m signing from Chelsea was questioned by some supporters before picking up where he left off after returning from injury in November.
The 23-year-old is the first Arsenal player to score their first three goals for the club all in European competition, and it was his all-round performance that impressed onlookers. He told TNT Sports after the win: "I think the bare minimum I need to give to my team is threat. Obviously trying to score and be as decisive as possible, that's the next level I need to get to in terms of being consistently decisive for club and country."
Arteta has challenged Madueke to maintain this level, stating that consistency is key. The manager said: "I think at this level you want to win games - you need individual players to step up and do something different." Arteta's words come as the team now gets some options back in forward areas with Gabriel Jesus returning from injury and Martin Odegaard available again.
Madueke's goal against Club Brugge was described by BBC Match of the Day pundit Chris Sutton as "unbelievable" and a reminder that he is a smart signing. The former Chelsea striker added: "More and more, Madueke looks like a really smart signing." With the team fighting on all fronts, including in the Champions League and league, Arteta's aim is to win both competitions, with Sutton suggesting they have the luxury of possibly resting players in their next game against Inter Milan.
So Noni Madueke just broke some records for Arsenal 
! Like, who would've thought he'd score his first three European goals all at once? 
Not me, that's for sure... Anyway, I think it's awesome to see him step up and show off his skills after a few injuries. The lad's got game! 
And I love how Arteta's pushing him to be consistent, 'cause let's face it, we need all the help we can get right now 
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madueke is looking fire 
gotta keep an eye on him in the next match! 
he's got some big shoes to fill with saka and all, but i think he can do it 
the fact that arteta wants him to step up is a good sign. the team is getting stronger with gabriel jesus back from injury 
and martin odegaard available again 
. he's got skills for days, i mean 2 goals in one match is no joke. i'm loving how he's settling into the team and playing like a total boss. arteta's right on point too, consistency is key. madueke's gotta keep this level of performance up if we wanna win those trophies. and what a debut, i was worried he wouldn't live up to his price tag but bruv he's living me 
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and I'm loving his energy on the pitch! he's got that wow factor 
. can't wait to see how he develops in the Champions League – he's got that potential to be a top player 
. Arteta needs to remember that there are other talented players already on his team, and maybe instead of trying to make Madueke a superstar, they should just try to keep him from getting too much attention...