Gary Lineker blown away by Arsenal star who was ‘best player on the pitch’ vs Nottingham Forest
Gary Lineker has sung the praises of one Arsenal star who was key in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Martin Odegaard’s shoulder injury, meant Mikel Arteta was forced into an early change in the match, leaving cause for concern from the crowd at the Emirates Stadium.
However, a wonderful strike from Martin Zubimendi calmed the nerves of the Arsenal faithful, before a second half Viktor Gyokeres goal gave the home side a needed cushion.
The rout was complete when Zubimendi scored a third, and after the game, Arsenal fans focused on Jurrien Timber’s performance as a key component in their victory.
It was a string collective showing from Arteta’s men, with Stuart Pearce praising the strength of Arsenal’s depth on talkSPORT.
Gary Lineker wowed by Noni Madueke vs Nottingham Forest
Nonetheless it was Arsenal’s in-form winger Noni Madueke, who impressed with England, that caught the eye of Lineker.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker spoke about Madueke, saying: “I thought Madueke was probably the best player on the pitch, caused them all sorts of trouble down there.
“I felt sorry for that Morato. He didn’t know whether he was coming or going most of the time,” Lineker continued.
As Bukayo Saka returns to full fitness, Madueke’s form will give Arteta a selection headache, with the former Chelsea man becoming undroppable over recent weeks.
Noni Madueke eyes Champions League impact
Arsenal will head to the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao to kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday against Athletic Club.
Madueke will have to believe that his scintillating form has earned him a start in Arteta’s side for that match, providing a point of difference on the right wing for the Spaniard.
| Noni Madueke vs Nottingham Forest | |
| Chances created | 5 |
| Successful dribbles | 5 |
| Touches in opposition box | 13 |
With a crunch fixture on the horizon next Sunday against Manchester City, Arteta will want his best players firing on all cylinders, but with Saka set to come back into the fold, Madueke will surely get the nod against Athletic Bilbao.
As the fixtures quickly pile up, Arteta will enjoy the tough choices he is going to have to make between playing Saka or Madueke on the right side of his attack.