Arsenal's next challenge is not to force Noni Maduweke to replicate every aspect of Bukayo Saka's play. Instead, they need to maintain the qualities that stretched Everton's defence while ensuring responsibilities on the right flank are well distributed within a unified system.
The most impactful moment from Maduweke did not end in a goal. Declan Rice set him up perfectly, allowing the winger to break into the box, but he missed the target. While the chance went begging, the movement itself was promising: Maduweke created an opening and Rice executed the timely pass.
Relying on Maduweke's strengths
When a key player is injured, the temptation is often to keep the original role intact, simply changing the name on the shirt. However, Maduweke's performance against Everton provided a more authentic blueprint. His incisive runs and constant pressure on the defensive line forced the opposition into difficult decisions.
Instructions for the player must be precise: he should look to create threats behind defenders when teammates are poised to play forward. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard need to take charge of the build-up play, ensuring that the winger can focus on his runs instead of trying to take on two defenders single-handedly on the touchline.
Distributing responsibilities
Odegaard's role as captain in the match confirmed that the creative burden shouldn’t rest solely on the right flank. The Norwegian controlled the tempo, aided teammates in combination play, and delivered the corner that led to Ezri Konsa's opening goal. The second for the Gunners came from central defender Gabriel, who had connected with Ben White and received a pass from Bruno Guimaraes. This clearly demonstrated the team's versatility: attacks can be effective even when the winger is performing a decoy or support function.
The collective interplay and backing from central forward Victor Dyer-Kerr and the midfield will allow Arsenal to maintain a threat on the right flank, utilising Maduweke’s strengths without the necessity to mimic Saka's playing style.
