Noni Madueke is starting to make a real case for himself as a starter at Arsenal, and his delivery from corners is a big reason why.
Arsenal have been labelled ‘set piece FC’ at times this season, and they’ve added another weapon to their armoury in the shape of Noni Madueke.
Against Sporting on Tuesday, he almost scored directly from a corner. It caught everyone off guard and rattled against the crossbar – interestingly, this wasn’t a one off.
Madueke has already shown what he can do from set pieces this season, particularly in terms of trying to score directly.
There was also the incident against Leeds in the league. Madueke whipped in a corner that ended up in the net after Karl Darlow punched it into his own goal. It officially went down as an own goal, but in spirit, this was Madueke’s goal.
Of course, you don’t want your set-piece takers shooting from corners, but Madueke can also pick out his attackers.
He created two goals from corners against Portsmouth in the FA Cup. Both deliveries were dangerous and led directly to goals. That is exactly what you want from a wide player in those moments.
Explain to us why Bukayo Saka should still start over Noni Madueke?
Noni Madueke is making Bukayo Saka look worse
Madueke’s incredible deliveries matter even more because of Bukayo Saka.
Saka has been excellent from corners for Arsenal. His delivery has been reliable and has played a big role in the team’s set-piece success. Replacing that should not be easy.
But Madueke is showing he can step up on this front.
He brings a very similar style, much like Saka, His corners have a lot of pace and whip, but this ability to aim directly at the goal adds another element.
The reality is that Bukayo Saka has not been in great form as of late, and, as harsh as this sounds, some of his problems have been masked by the assists he’s racked up from corners.
However, if Madueke can produce at the same sort of level, then there are going to be further questions about Saka’s role in this Arsenal team.
Madueke developing a deadly delivery from corners is bad news for Saka, that’s for sure.
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