Paul Merson says one Arsenal summer signing will now have a ‘big role’ against Nottingham Forest

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Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has earned major praise, having impressed for England during the international break.

Arsenal snapped up Noni Madueke from Chelsea over the summer, and the deal was met with pretty mixed views.

Some Gunners fans were not on board with signing another player from Chelsea, and others just didn’t think he was good enough to make a big impact.

Declan Rice hit back at the doubters, and Madueke is now following suit with his performances on the pitch.

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Paul Merson hails Arsenal’s Noni Madueke

Madueke stepped in for the injured Bukayo Saka against Liverpool before the international break and impressed in a fierce battle with Milos Kerkez.

The Gunners wide man then started both of England’s games in the international break and was arguably the biggest winner.

Madueke impressed against Andorra before scoring a brilliant goal in a 5-0 win over Serbia on Tuesday night.

Gary Neville has praised Madueke, suggesting that Saka may need to switch over to the left flank for England in order to accommodate Madueke.

Saka will miss out against Nottingham Forest this weekend, meaning Madueke is primed to start on the right wing once more.

Arsenal hero Paul Merson has now praised Madueke, telling Sportskeeda that he has been impressed with the Gunners winger.

Merson believes that Madueke will be a key player for Arsenal this weekend, but feels that he must show his quality consistently in order to justify his summer transfer.

“Noni Madueke has impressed me in recent weeks,” said Merson. “I thought he looked good against Liverpool and he has sort of carried that form into the England team as well.

“With Bukayo Saka still out injured, Madueke will have a big role to play for Arsenal this weekend. It’s definitely a good start to his career in north London, but we need to see more of the same on a consistent basis to call him a success,” he added.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	3	3	0	0	8	4	4	9
2	ChelseaChelsea	3	2	1	0	7	1	6	7
3	ArsenalArsenal	3	2	0	1	6	1	5	6
4	TottenhamTottenham	3	2	0	1	5	1	4	6
5	EvertonEverton	3	2	0	1	5	3	2	6

Paul Merson predicts Arsenal win over Nottingham Forest

Arsenal will be heavy favourites against Nottingham Forest, as they adjust to new management.

Forest have appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new boss this week, replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.

Arsenal fans know all about Postecoglou from his time at Tottenham Hotspur, and the Australian is likely to bring a very expansive style of play.

That could suit Arsenal, and Merson added that he is predicting a 2-0 Arsenal win this weekend.

“Arsenal need to win because they have some tricky fixtures coming up. I expect the Gunners to get the job done at the Emirates,” said Merson.

Arsenal fans will hope to see Eberechi Eze in the starting lineup, but summer signing Madueke could steal his thunder if he can continue his form.