Gary Lineker blown away by Arsenal star who was ‘best player on the pitch’ vs Nottingham Forest
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Charlie Grace
Mon 15 September 2025 10:30, UK
Gary Lineker has sung the praises of one Arsenal star who was key in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Martin Odegaard’s shoulder injury, meant Mikel Arteta was forced into an early change in the match, leaving cause for concern from the crowd at the Emirates Stadium.
However, a wonderful strike from Martin Zubimendi calmed the nerves of the Arsenal faithful, before a second half Viktor Gyokeres goal gave the home side a needed cushion.
It was a string collective showing from Arteta’s men, with Stuart Pearce praising the strength of Arsenal’s depth on talkSPORT.
Credit: Breaking Media, Hasan Karim
Nonetheless it was Arsenal’s in-form winger Noni Madueke, who impressed with England, that caught the eye of Lineker.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker spoke about Madueke, saying: “I thought Madueke was probably the best player on the pitch, caused them all sorts of trouble down there.
He didn’t know whether he was coming or going most of the time,” Lineker continued.
As Bukayo Saka returns to full fitness, Madueke’s form will give Arteta a selection headache, with the former Chelsea man becoming undroppable over recent weeks.
Madueke will have to believe that his scintillating form has earned him a start in Arteta’s side for that match, providing a point of difference on the right wing for the Spaniard.
Noni Madueke vs Nottingham ForestChances created5Successful dribbles5Touches in opposition box13Noni Madueke’s performance vs Nottingham Forest (Fotmob)
With a crunch fixture on the horizon next Sunday against Manchester City, Arteta will want his best players firing on all cylinders, but with Saka set to come back into the fold, Madueke will surely get the nod against Athletic Bilbao.
As the fixtures quickly pile up, Arteta will enjoy the tough choices he is going to have to make between playing Saka or Madueke on the right side of his attack.