Arsenal are undoubtedly the kings of set pieces this season, but now, Noni Madueke has emerged as a new contender to take them.
The Arsenal winger produced two assists in the first half against Leeds, one from a sublime cross and another from a corner, which Karl Darlow dropped over the line.
True or false: Noni Madueke CAN step up and replace Bukayo Saka for the next few weeks…
Ahead of the match, Arsenal lost Saka to injury, and the former Chelsea star came into the team to replace him at Elland Road.
In the end, everything seemed to work out for Mikel Arteta’s team, as Madueke produced one of his best performances in an Arsenal shirt to date.
Arsenal have just unlocked Noni Madueke’s set pieces
Noni Madueke has just produced one of the best set-pieces of the season as his incredible inswinging effort gave Arsenal a 2-0 lead at Leeds.
Now, Arteta and Nicolas Jover have suddenly stumbled upon another elite corner taker, and the pair will be rubbing their hands together at the prospect.
Darlow was caught totally off guard by the winger’s corner and ended up spilling the ball into his net to give Madueke the assist.
Saka is usually the set-piece specialist for the Gunners, along with Declan Rice, but in West Yorkshire, his replacement in the team was the man to step up.
Which Arsenal player impressed you the most in the first half vs Leeds United?
Just 11 minutes earlier, Madueke was involved in Arsenal’s first goal as his sumptuous cross picked out the head of Martin Zubimendi.
Recently, Arteta demanded more from Madueke, and the 24-year-old has responded with a superb display away at Leeds.
Paul Merson hails Noni Madueke vs Leeds
Paul Merson was so impressed by Madueke’s corner against Leeds and backed the Gunners to comfortably win the match.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Merson said: “What a ball in by Madueke – he whips it in with his left foot.
“It is a clear own goal by Darlow as he punches it into his own net. And at the moment, this could be any score; it is men against boys and Leeds need half-time.”
Meanwhile, Shay Given also hailed the winger’s display, telling BBC Sport: “Madueke woke up this morning, probably disappointed, and then before you know it, he seems to be the main man in the first half.
“He assists the first, and you could argue it’s his goal for the second as well. He’s looked really, really sharp.”
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
