Ray Parlor has expressed his disappointment with Noni Maduweke's defensive play during Arsenal's narrow win against Leeds (2-1). According to the former midfielder, the winger failed to track back properly when James Justin scored for the visitors.
Arsenal found themselves unexpectedly trailing after Justin put Leeds ahead in the 55th minute. Until that point, Leeds had looked more assertive than the defending champions, and their opener was rightly deserved.
While Parlor acknowledged the quality of Justin's strike, he didn't shy away from highlighting Maduweke's lapse in judgment as he neglected to follow his marker.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Parlor said:
Maduweke should have done better. I know the demands of playing wide, and it's crucial to keep an eye on the runs of opponents.
No matter how much you enjoy attacking, you have to do your defensive duties for the team. I reckon when he reviews that moment, he won't be pleased with himself.
Parlor did, however, praise Leeds for their performance in the initial stages of the second half.
The ex-footballer observed:
Up until the 60th minute, when Arsenal began making substitutions, Leeds were the better side. They earned their goal, and Justin executed a superb finish.
Maduweke partially atoned for his earlier misstep just seven minutes later. He provided the assist for Ben White, whose header found Riccardo Calafiori to level things up.
Parlor was keen to commend this moment:
We know Maduweke is far stronger going forward. That was a vital goal. The cross was deep, White made a fantastic header, and Calafiori was in the right place.
Arsenal desperately needed that goal, as Leeds were feeling quite comfortable before it.
Following the equaliser, Mikel Arteta refreshed his side by introducing Jurien Timber, Victor Djokeres, and Bruno Guimaraes.
The decisive moment arrived in the 70th minute when Declan Rice brilliantly flicked the ball to Guimaraes, who made no mistake with a precise low shot past goalkeeper James Trafford.
Parlor was full of admiration for both players involved:
What a wonderful pass from Rice. He knew exactly what he was doing. And Guimaraes's shot was excellent — low and hard. Trafford had no chance.
Particularly impressive to the expert was Rice's ingenuity.
Parlor added:
Making those types of passes can happen every day in training, and they look great. But to pull it off in a real match is something else entirely.
Rice glanced at his partner straight away because he knew exactly where he was sending the ball. That was a truly splendid goal.
This victory allowed Arsenal to catch up with Manchester City at the top of the table, while Leeds slipped down to sixth place after the defeat.
Arteta's team will be back in action on Tuesday against Lille in the Champions League, before embarking on an away game at Nottingham Forest.
