Martin Keown thinks Bukayo Saka will be looking over his shoulder following Noni Madueke’s performance in Arsenal’s draw against Bayer Leverkusen.
Saka looked well off the pace in Leverkusen and was the first Arsenal player to be subbed off during the 1-1 draw in the Champions League.
POV: You’re Mikel Arteta, are you dropping Bukayo Saka for Noni Madueke?
Madueke came off the bench to help salvage a draw for the Gunners, as he won a penalty in the 88th minute, which Kai Havertz converted.
Following the draw in Germany, Keown is now hopeful that Saka will raise his performance levels with Madueke breathing down his neck.
Martin Keown on Bukayo Saka competing with Noni Madueke at Arsenal
Martin Keown is excited that Bukayo Saka now has strong competition from Noni Madueke for his spot in the Arsenal team.
Mikel Arteta told Madueke to make an impact against Leverkusen, and that he did, as he caused their defence all sorts of problems.
Arsenal paid £52 million for Madueke in the summer, which raised many eyebrows; however, the former Chelsea man is proving why the Gunners did so.
🗳️ VOTE for Arsenal’s best substitute vs Bayer Leverkusen…
Speaking about Saka and Madueke, Keown told TNT Sports: “That’s why Arsenal wanted to sign him. Without doubt, this is why you roll out that money.
“We were reliant on Saka so often, so many occasions, particularly in Europe, but now you can turn to Madueke.
He comes on, he gives you that extra performance, he’s chomping at the bit, ready to get on, and you want players that do that, make an impression.
“He continues to progress and get better and develop, and I think that’s a good sign because you need that. You want competition for places.
“If even Saka is looking over his shoulder at this young man coming on, then you want that in the group.”
Arteta now faces a big call on whether to keep Madueke in the team against Everton on the weekend, or if he sticks by Saka.
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