Mikel Arteta confirms injury blow to ‘incredible’ Arsenal star after Man City draw
Arsenal played out a fascinating battle against Manchester City on Sunday (September 21), with both sides settling for a share of the spoils.
Gabriel Martinelli’s 93rd-minute equaliser from the bench cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener as Arsenal secured a 1-1 draw against Man City after dominating most of the match.
Although Pep Guardiola’s team are normally known for their possession, the Spaniard deployed a defensive wall that Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down.
Roy Keane blasted Arsenal for their lack of creativity, and supporters were annoyed that Eberechi Eze was dropped to the bench against Man City, replacing Mikel Merino at half-time.
Noni Madueke suffers an injury for Arsenal against Man City
Many Arsenal fans weren’t happy when Noni Madueke joined the club from Chelsea, but those who criticised the Englishman have been proven wrong.
Madueke has been ‘incredible’ for Arsenal, and during the first half against City, he was arguably Arteta’s best player on the pitch.
So, when the 23-year-old was taken off at half-time, the majority were baffled by that decision, and the Spaniard has now explained why he did it.
“It was necessary, the one with Noni because of an injury,” Arteta confirmed by BBC Sport.
“And for Ebs too because of the way they started to play and behave and where we could find the spaces. We believed that he could be the player to make the difference for us. Again, very happy with the finishers.”
Arsenal now face an anxious wait to find out the extent of the injury, but hopefully, the fleet-footed winger is back straight away.
Mikel Arteta’s assessment of the Man City result
While Bukayo Saka returned from his injury against Man City after coming from the bench, their delight at that substitute was dampened by Madueke’s injury.
Speaking after full-time, Arteta confirmed he was ‘very proud’ of his team but ‘disappointed’ with the result.
“Regardless of the result I will say the same thing. I am extremely proud of the team and the players for the way we played and dominated this game against this Man City. From my side as a coach that requires compliments from my side as a coach.
“After that, very disappointed with the result. It is true that scoring at the end gives you a bit of emotion, a bit of a taste, but then I think the first thought for me was to win the game.”
Man City were there for the taking at the Emirates, but unfortunately, starting with the handbrake on ultimately cost the Gunners three points.