What Mikel Arteta told Noni Madueke speaks volumes about Eberechi Eze’s nightmare at Arsenal

According to a report by Football London on Monday, October 19, 2026, Mikel Arteta’s half-time instructions to Noni Madueke highlighted the contrasting performances of the Arsenal winger and Eberechi Eze during the Gunners’ 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest.

Madueke replaced Eze at half-time during Sunday’s encounter at the City Ground before scoring the winning goal to secure three valuable points for Arsenal.

The 24-year-old had started Arsenal’s previous Premier League match against Leeds United because of an injury to Christos Tzolis. However, Eze earned a starting place against Forest after impressing in the Gunners’ 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder struggled to make the same impact against Nottingham Forest, prompting Arteta to introduce Madueke after the break in an attempt to improve Arsenal’s attacking performance.

Speaking after the match, Madueke revealed the advice he received from his manager during half-time.

“So I think he said ‘hang in there, stick to the game plan’. And then to me, he always just says, ‘go out there, try and attack the opposition and be dangerous and just be yourself and be good defensively as well’. And I think I did that today.”

Madueke’s decisive goal and overall performance earned praise from Arteta, who highlighted the winger’s personality, determination and growing importance within the squad.

“Noni puts a smile on my face, because he’s a special character. Very much loved in and around the dressing room,” the Arsenal manager said.

Arteta also praised Madueke’s response after coming on, pointing to his confidence and decisiveness as important factors behind his improved contribution to the team.

Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea for £50 million last year, while Eze arrived from Crystal Palace in a £67.5 million transfer. Both signings were expected to strengthen Arsenal’s attacking options and provide Arteta with greater flexibility in the final third.

Although Eze has shown promising qualities since moving to the Emirates Stadium, consistency will be crucial as he competes for a regular place in the starting lineup. His substitution against Forest demonstrated the level of competition within Arteta’s squad.

Madueke’s match-winning contribution, meanwhile, underlined the importance of following tactical instructions and taking advantage of opportunities, even when starting from the bench.