Arsenal’s 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend may have belonged to Martin Zubimendi, but it was Noni Madueke who drew one of the highest compliments in football — a comparison with Arjen Robben.
Madueke, operating from the right wing in Bukayo Saka’s absence, tormented the Forest defence throughout the match. He won ten duels, created five chances, and completed five dribbles, his direct running stretching Ange Postecoglou’s side at every turn.
While Zubimendi’s brace secured the points and the man of the match award, Manchester United legend Gary Neville singled out Madueke for praise on his Sky Sports podcast.
“Madueke is a lot better than I imagined and certainly better than many Arsenal fans expected,” Neville said. “Some of his runs for England in midweek reminded me of Robben — the kind of movement that makes you realise you’re facing something different, a level above.”
Neville cautioned that Madueke is still developing but said his style evokes memories of the Dutch winger who terrorised full-backs across Europe for more than a decade.
Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer for around £35 million, a move that was initially met with scepticism. But his growing influence was clear at the Emirates, where supporters rose to applaud him off the pitch after another assured display.
With Zubimendi making an instant impact in midfield and Madueke flourishing on the flank, Mikel Arteta’s side left little doubt about their intent for the season ahead.
