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Noni Madueke thinks Arsenal have made one signing that could help Mikel Arteta do ‘something special’

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Owing to Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury, Noni Madueke should get plenty of chances for Arsenal over the coming weeks.

Saka left the Emirates Stadium pitch on Saturday clutching his hamstring, a familiar and yet troubling sight for Arsenal fans, who lost their most important performer to a similar injury last season as well. 

Of course, Arsenal signed Noni Madueke partly because of the natural backup he could provide for Saka, something Mikel Arteta didn’t have last season.

Over the campaign to come, Arsenal want to play Ethan Nwaneri centrally – he’ll essentially be competing with Martin Odegaard, who also suffered an issue to his shoulder on Saturday.

And whilst Madueke will get chances to start even when Saka is playing as well, as he did against Leeds United, he’s perfect backup for his compatriot on the right.

Noni Madueke thinks Eberechi Eze will do ‘fantastically well’ at Arsenal

That being said, when speaking on the BBC’s 606 football phone-in, Madueke has now spoken about the arrival of Eberechi Eze at Arsenal.

Eze’s arrival was announced in spectacular fashion before Arsenal kicked off against Leeds, and the former Crystal Palace maverick stayed and watched his new side’s 5-0 win.

In fact, Eze seemed impressed with Viktor Gyokeres’ first goal for the club in a competitive match, one that should be the first of many.

And when speaking after the game, Madueke seemed very excited to play alongside Eze in north London.

Arsenal present Eberechi Eze following his £68m move from Crystal Palace
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

READ MORE: Theo Walcott reacts to Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze, ‘he unlocks everything…’

Initially asked about the competition Eze would bring to Arteta’s forward line, Madueke replied: “Yeah, competition is great. I think if you want to do something special or something you need.

“But on another note, yeah, it’s great to have him here. He’s a great person and an even better player, so he’s going to do fantastically well, I’m sure.”

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hGzQAvKa7Tz0EbYEF5bpc?si=eb509a38dc8f4081

Noni Madueke thrilled to see Viktor Gyokeres score his first Arsenal goals

Speaking in the same interview, Madueke also discussed Gyokeres’ first Arsenal goals against Leeds.

Arsenal fans loved Gyokeres’ celebration after scoring his second against Leeds – an ode to his critics online.

And when asked about Gyokeres’ goals, Madueke continued: “I think as a striker that scored how many goals last year, and it’s clear that he lives to score goals, and I’m so happy that he’s got two today.

“It’s going to fill him with confidence and it’s going to fill the rest of us with confidence as well.

“So it’s a positive for him on an individual note and us as a collective.”

Aside from Saka and Odegaard’s injuries, it was one of the most feel-good days at the Emirates in recent memories for Arsenal fans.

And ahead of a trip to face Liverpool at Anfield, Arteta’s men are now two from two in the league.