Noni Madueke lay sprawled on the turf, head in his hands, following his one-on-one miss late in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Hull. His frustration continued to show even after the final whistle. The winger's reaction showed the standards this "different Noni", to quote Mikel Arteta, is setting himself as he strives to reach another level.
Bukayo Saka's injury was a significant setback to Arsenal. Madueke has made it his mission to soften the blow. So far, he has filled in impressively.
Arteta understood his demeanour after the game. "He knew he had three clear chances to score," he said, always demanding more. But there was also an acknowledgement of his crucial role in Martin Odegaard's goal.
Madueke's shot forced the Konstantinos Tzolakis save from which his captain scored. It was just one of many dangerous moments. His total of 13 touches in the opposition box was the most by an Arsenal in any Premier League game this season.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Madueke also hit his highest totals in a game this term for shots and chances created, with a combined eight, and successful dribbles, with five. This was not a vintage attacking display from Arsenal but almost everything positive came through him. The 24-year-old was one of only five Arsenal outfielders to start having also started in midweek in Prague, where he scored the opening goal.
His importance to Arteta is growing. He has happily taken on the extra responsibility. Madueke was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad in between the two games; a blow which might have knocked another player.
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