Featured Image Credit: Arsenal
Topics: Arsenal, Chelsea, Premier League, Villarreal
Josh Lawless
Arsenal supporters got a glimpse of Noni Madueke when he made his debut against Villarreal and many already reached an instant verdict.
Gunners fans got to enjoy first Emirates appearances for all of their new signings on Wednesday, with Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga all getting minutes on the pitch.
Norgaard was on target in a 3-2 defeat to the La Liga side, which was followed by a loss in a penalty shoot-out.
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Madueke was the last Arsenal summer recruit to get on the pitch and made his first appearance since signing from Chelsea in a £48.5 million switch.
The England international played 13 minutes after replacing Gabriel Martinelli late on and missed his penalty in the shoot-out, ultimately handed Villarreal the victory on spot-kicks.
His signing has been deemed a tad underwhelming by some sections of Arsenal supporters but many were impressed by his cameo, feeling as though he offered more than Martinelli.
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One fan on X admitted: "Madueke doing more in less than 5 mins than Martinelli did."
A second said: "I am sorry but Madueke is better than Martinelli."
A third added: "Madueke has done more than Martinelli on that wing."
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A fourth stated: "Madueke super direct I like that !! Keep coming at your man."
A final person claimed: "Noni Madueke is a million times way ahead of Martinelli."
New £55 million striker Viktor Gyokeres also made his first start in Arsenal colours after a brief cameo in the defeat to North London rivals Spurs in Hong Kong.
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Gyokeres, who did not have a proper pre-season as he tried to force through a departure from Sporting, played 62 minutes but was unable to get off the mark and only managed one shot on goal.
Arsenal fans felt as though their side did not play to the Swede's strengths and many feared that they would not be able to get the best out of him unless they changed their approach in attack.
Commenting on Madueke's debut, Mikel Arteta said: "He showed a lot of desire to come and join us from day one. What he's done is remarkable, how willing he is. I think the reception he got was brilliant as well."
Arteta's men are back in action on Saturday when they take on Athletic Club in the Emirates Cup.
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They kick off their new Premier League campaign with a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday 17 August.