Match Coverage

Alan Shearer thought it was ironic who Arsenal’s ‘best’ player on the pitch was against Leeds

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Arsenal left their Premier League winless streak behind in style by beating Leeds United 4-0 at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke was in awe of Arsenal after the Gunners ended Leeds’ five-game unbeaten run at home.

Before kick off, it was understood that Mikel Arteta’s side had a real challenge on their hands to beat Leeds, who have shown fine form in recent weeks.

Arsenal’s chances of winning were made to look even more difficult after Bukayo Saka was injured in the warm up, which saw Noni Madueke take his place in the starting XI.

Fortunately, Arteta’s squad depth showed off once again, as it was truly a case of no Saka, no problem for the league leaders.

Who was your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Leeds United?

Alan Shearer said Noni Madueke was one of the best players on the pitch against Leeds

Arsenal fans are still unsure on Madueke, but after the Leeds game, the winger certainly swayed the debate in his favour.

Seeing Saka withdraw from the starting XI was a blow, but only until it became clear that Madueke was fired up and ready to contribute.

Speaking on The Saturday Wrap for Premier League Productions, pundit Alan Shearer thought it was ironic that after the disappointment of losing Saka, Madueke was a man of the match contender.

“I thought they handled everything perfectly,” Shearer began.

“I thought their performance was superb from start to finish with the disappointment of Saka going off in terms of the warm-up and Madueke coming on who was probably one of the best players on the pitch ironically.”

Arsenal’s summer signing was at the top of his game against Leeds, making it unsurprising that he played a role in two of the goals on the afternoon.

Madueke overcame his biggest challenge against Leeds

It was refreshing to watch Madueke against Leeds, compared to how it was when reviewing the Englishman’s efforts in midweek against Kairat Almaty.

The clear, and most important, difference was that the 23-year-old had an end product to add to his daring runs on the right side.

What impressed you most about Noni Madueke vs Leeds?

A graphic to show Noni Madueke's match stats against Leeds United.
Image credit: Getty Images/Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC

The winger might’ve only recorded one official goal contribution, but he will argue that it should’ve been two, as his looping cross from a corner was converted by goalkeeper Karl Darlow to stand as an own goal.

The main takeaway is that Madueke can produce an end product for his teammates to feed on, making his wing play look far more polished when Arsenal needed him most.

There’s hope that Saka will return after a precautionary withdrawal, but Arteta can rest well knowing that he has an assured back-up to his star player.