Noni Madueke axed: Arsenal should start player with seven midweek duels wins vs Nottingham Forest

Mikel Arteta must choose between Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke to play on the left of the Arsenal attack against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Christos Tzolis' absence makes the decision a difficult one for the Spaniard, who was left short in the summer transfer window as the Gunners tried and failed to sign several attackers.

Madueke started against Leeds United last week as the Premier League champions came from behind to win 2-1, with the winger playing a key part in Riccardo Calafiori's equaliser.

The former Chelsea man is naturally a right-sided winger, but has featured on the left of the attack several times since his £52million move to North London.

Similarly, Eze has played out of position on the left of the attack on several occasions since signing for Arsenal last summer.

The England international has struggled for form so far this season but started and was impressive from the left as the Gunners beat Lille 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta faces difficult Noni Madueke call

There is a strong argument that Madueke should keep his place in the Premier League XI on Sunday.

The England international looked to be the only Arsenal attacker constantly looking to make things happen against Leeds, putting in dangerous crosses and beating his man.

Madueke created three chances on the day - more than anybody else - completed two successful dribbles and five accurate crosses.

He started from the right on Tuesday, performing well again and providing the pass as Jurrien Timber broke the deadlock.

There is also the opposition to consider. Madueke has pace that is unmatched elsewhere in the Arsenal squad.

Against Oliver Glasner's three-back system, which will likely feature Daniel Munoz at right wing-back, that pace could be key to get in behind.

However, for all of Madueke's good form, Eze's display on Tuesday can simply not be ignored.

Arteta must select Eberechi Eze

At the start of the week, Arteta would have been certain that Madueke will be his starting left-winger against Nottingham Forest.

Eze's start to the season has been disappointing, and he had failed to take any of the chances that came his way.

Tuesday has given Arteta something he cannot ignore. The winger finished well from Bukayo Saka's cross to double the Arsenal lead, and offered plenty more throughout.

Eze created a chance, took five shots and completed four successful dribbles - more than anybody else on the pitch.

The same can be said for the 12 touches he took in the opposition box, and he got his defensive work done too. Eze made seven recoveries and won seven duels, which will have pleased Arteta.

The Arsenal manager now must make the difficult decision to drop Madueke on Sunday, and act with the team's best interests at heart.