Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka (Photo by Mike Hewitt, Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be likely to make a “courageous decision” regarding Bukayo Saka after Noni Madueke outplayed him against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Gunners were far from their best following their 1-1 draw in the Champions League last night, with Saka in particular struggling to provide his usual inspiration.
Maduke came on as a substitute for the fellow England winger, but it soon became clear that he posed an even greater threat.
The former Chelsea player won Arsenal’s penalty late on, allowing Kai Havertz to equalize.
Should Mikel Arteta start Noni Madueke over Bukayo Saka?
Former Premier League striker Charlie Austin told Sky Sports News that Arteta may now have to make a brave decision.
Austin felt that Saka was underperforming despite being the club’s star player, but when Maduke came on the game changed.
“It’s difficult,” he said. “When he came on, I think his performance deserved to be a starter.
“Unfortunately, the problem he has is that Arsenal’s star players are playing in the same position as him, so it will take a brave decision from the manager to make that change.”
He added: “If I were Noni Madueke, I would be asking, ‘What more can I do?'” Because when he came on last night, he changed the course of the game…
“He got the ball, ran towards defenders and caused things to happen. He didn’t do that in the 58th or 59th minute when Saka was on the pitch.”
Bukayo Saka vs Noni Madueke match result
Let’s compare Saka and Maduke’s stats so far this season…
At the moment, it is clear that Saka still has a lot to offer, even if it does not pass the so-called “eye test” as in the past.
At the same time, it’s worth remembering that Saka has played far more minutes than Maduke. Perhaps the latter is showing signs of being able to do a better job overall if he has the opportunity to spend more time on the pitch and develop better chemistry with his teammates.
