Arsenal manager thrilled by winger’s stunning brace in Brugge, promising a “healthy competition” with Saka for starting role
Mikel Arteta could hardly contain his admiration after Noni Madueke announced his full arrival at Arsenal with a breathtaking individual performance, scoring twice in a commanding 3-0 Champions League victory at Club Brugge on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old winger, starting in place of the rested Bukayo Saka, broke the deadlock with a moment of pure inspiration. Collecting the ball near midfield, he drove past two defenders before unleashing a rocket that cannoned in off the crossbar.
“Unbelievable goal,” a beaming Arteta said afterward. “When you talk about individual quality, individual action, and magic moments—that’s it. A player able to pick the ball up that far, dribble past people, and finish with that quality and power… it’s special.”
Madueke wasn’t finished. He doubled Arsenal’s lead after halftime with a clever close-range header, taking his tally to three goals in just two Champions League appearances since returning from a knee injury.
His explosive form is creating a welcome dilemma for Arteta, who now has two in-form wingers vying for the right flank. The manager framed it not as a problem, but as the perfect motivation for both Madueke and the established Saka.
“They both have different qualities, and it’s great because we’re going to need them,” Arteta explained. “We are playing every three days. Having players with that freshness, with that bite in the teeth, understanding they have to perform at this level… it’s something really good.”
The challenge now, Arteta made clear, is for Madueke to build on this breakout night. The manager’s praise came with a gentle nudge toward consistency.
“It’s not about one game, or two games, or three,” Arteta said. “It’s when you do ten games in a row, every three days, at this level. That’s the standard we have to hit.”
For one magical evening in Belgium, Noni Madueke didn’t just hit that standard—he soared right over it.
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