Madueke Magic Gives Arteta Rotation Options Amid Arsenal Injury Woes

‎When you’re competing with Bukayo Saka for minutes, you have to seize your chances.

‎No player has appeared more for Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took charge six years ago. Saka has been central to Arsenal’s style, but with the schedule this packed, even he deserves a rest.

‎If Noni Madueke keeps delivering performances like this, Arteta will be much more at ease rotating the squad.

‎Arsenal spent years looking for competition and cover for Saka, and it appears that they finally have it.

‎Madueke looked electric against Club Brugge, opening the scoring with a brilliant solo goal and earning the man of the match award.

Starting wide, he shrugged off two defenders and surged forward, ripping a thumping strike off the crossbar into the net. It was a moment of real magic the kind Arsenal rarely produce, and exactly what they needed on what could have been a tough night.

‎Decimated by injuries in defence, the Arsenal back four was under pressure at times from a Club Brugge side fired up by the appointment of a new head coach on Monday.

‎Madueke’s stunning strike stopped them in their tracks, while his second goal, a simple header at the back post, killed any momentum Brugge hoped to conjure after the half-time break.

‎“The first goal was really nice, the second a tap-in, but the first one was sweet,” said Madueke.

‎“I am delighted with the result.

‎“I think the bare minimum I need to give to my team is threat. Obviously trying to score and be as decisive as possible, that’s the next level I need to get to in terms of being consistently decisive for club and country. I think I can reach that level.”

‎It is probably difficult for Arteta to think about the luxury of rotating players right now, given Arsenal’s injury issues.

‎They approached the game without three centre-backs Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, and William Saliba.

Jurrien Timber, who filled in there at Villa Park last weekend, was unavailable again due to a knock.

‎As a result, Arteta paired Piero Hincapie with midfielder Christian Norgaard, who had occasionally played in defence for Brentford.

‎Norgaard did a steady enough job in what was only his fourth start of the season, helping Arsenal keep yet another clean sheet.

‎“Christian Norgaard is someone who probably prepares the best out of all of them,” said Arteta.

‎“He is someone who makes all of us better every single day.

‎“He can play in any position; whether he plays more or fewer minutes, his attitude is immaculate, a really good example for all of us.”

‎Rotation has never been a strong point for Arteta during his time at Arsenal.

‎In the past, it felt like he did not fully trust his squad, and therefore, he was reluctant to rest his big players.

‎But that mindset feels like it is changing and this was the second midweek match in a row that Saka was named on the bench.

‎He was also a substitute against Brentford last week, which was a game Arsenal won comfortably, too.

‎Victories like that one, and this win in Brugge, should convince Arteta that he now has the squad to really rotate.

‎Resting Saka embodies that approach, given the pivotal role he has played under Arteta at Arsenal.

Arguably no player has had a greater impact on Arteta’s project than Saka, who has become the face of this tea

‎If Arsenal are to cross the finish line, everyone must contribute and not just Saka. That’s even more important with their current injury issues.

‎“We’re fighting on all fronts,” said Madueke. “I feel like we can win this competition and win the league, that has to be the aim.”

‎Madueke showed against Brugge how he is ready and waiting in the wings.