Mikel Arteta hasn’t had much to complain about this season but was clearly frustrated with one of his players in Arsenal‘s 8-7 (after a 1-1 draw) penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace. The Spaniard wasn’t alone, as several fans grew impatient and made their feelings clear online despite reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The Gunners bombarded Palace’s goal throughout the first half but didn’t possess the killer instinct to find an opener. Some fine goalkeeping from Walter Benitez managed to keep Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus and Eberechi Eze at bay.
Arteta could finally relax when Maxime Lacroix put through his own net after a pinball-like scenario in the box from Bukayo Saka‘s corner. But right at the death, the visitors equalised through Marc Guehi, whose close-range strike was their very first shot on target.
It took 15 penalties before Lacroix unfortunately found his spot kick saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga to put Arteta’s men through. While his side got the job done, it wasn’t without troubles.
Arsenal Win But Madueke Frustrates Arteta
Noni Madueke
Madueke has proven to be a fine signing for the North Londoners since arriving from Chelsea in the summer for £48.5 million. But the English winger wasn’t at his best tonight and missed two big chances on the night.
The 23-year-old was also wasteful in possession, failing to find his man with half of his six attempted crosses. Arteta’s anger was directed at the Englishman on one occasion in the second half as Palace started to shade proceedings.
Madueke was brought off in the 67th minute for Saka, and it was his replacement whose corner led to Saliba’s vital winner. It means the Premier League leaders head through to the semi-finals for a second year in a row.
‘Bench at Best’ – Arsenal Fans Not Impressed
Madueke was handed regular game time at the start of the season, especially when Saka was sidelined with a hamstring injury. He caught the eye on several occasions, but goal contributions have been minimal, with all three of his goals coming in Champions League outings.
There was praise for the former Chelsea man until a knee injury resulted in a lengthy spell out of action. This absence has come with consequences, and he’s been left on the bench in his side’s last two league games.
Arsenal fans were riled up by Madueke’s display against Palace and some voiced this on X.
One fan suggested he’s better off as an impact sub:
“Madueke is not a player you move Saka out of position for. Bench option at best. Saka is levels ahead.”
Another added:
“Arsenal is not Madueke’s level even as a squad player.”
One fan gave a grim verdict of the England international:
“Madueke is an eye sore whenever he’s no taking the fullback on. can’t pass, bad positioning, can’t win duels…”
Another was just as scathing:
“Madueke hall of shame performance.”
One wrote:
“How is Madueke going to tolerate being a £50million backup to Saka forever? Just not going to work long term is it?”
Another responded:
“Madueke has been shocking.”
One supporter questioned signing the former PSV Eindhoven attacker:
“Im sorry! But I’m not convinced about Madueke.”
Madueke was given a chance to impress tonight at the Emirates and give Arteta food for thought regarding more game time. But he put in a disappointing performance that has raised more questions about his acquisition than it has got supporters on board.
Arteta has plenty of options out wide, and that includes Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, who have enjoyed solid starts to the campaign. Next up for the league leaders is a clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on December 27th.