These stats prove Noni Madueke must start for Arsenal, but it shouldn’t see Bukayo Saka dropped

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Credit: Imago Thu 12 March 2026 18:30, UK Noni Madueke’s impact off the bench for Arsenal in their draw at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday was transformative. Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to respond to the goal but received a gift when Malik Tillman took down Madueke in the penalty box, allowing Kai Havertz to score from the spot.Arsenal’s performance has faced heavy criticism, but Arteta will be grateful to have walked away with the scores still level at half-time in the tie. ⚽ Arsenal Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert verdicts and previews, and tactical analysis for every Gunners fixture.

VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka can start togetherSaka has not been in bad form recently, but Wednesday’s display was perhaps among the very worst of his Arsenal career. In just 30 minutes, the 24-year-old completed more passes than Saka, completed as many successful dribbles, more accurate crosses, and won more ground duels.He would get his reward for his hard work when he used his pace to burst through the middle of two Leverkusen defenders before he was clipped and brought down.

Madueke has often impressed this season, and perhaps it is time for Arteta to look to incorporate him into the team, even when Saka is playing well.Ex-Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider this week that Arsenal are keen on Anthony Gordon, providing an indicator of where the issues may lie.Mikel Arteta must address the left-hand sideArsenal’s issues on the left-hand side had been discussed in the transfer window, but concerns were quickly quelled by the form of Leandro Trossard.In the second half of the season, however, the Belgian’s good form has dried up completely, and Gabriel Martinelli has not provided a strong alternative. Eberechi Eze played on the left at the start of the season, and so did Madueke.Even Saka has played on the left in previous years, and is easily both-footed enough to thrive in the position.With Eze and Madueke among the best-performing Arsenal attackers of late, and Saka, too good to leave out, it is time for Arteta to get creative and change things up 💰 ARSENAL INSIDER UPDATE 💰 Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, off-pitch deals and boardroom developments at Emirates Stadium.