Keown noted that Arsenal started the second half very sloppily, adding that Arteta’s decision to substitute Saka for Madueke was pivotal.
By Kehinde Okeowo
British pundit and former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has applauded Noni Madueke’s impact in the Gunners’ UEFA Champions League (UCL) Round of 16 first-leg tie against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.
Analysing the European encounter on TNT Sports, Keown hailed the England international for “transforming” his side.
Arsenal took on Leverkusen at the BayArena in Germany, looking to secure a foothold in the quest for a quarter-final place.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with a late penalty from Kai Havertz securing a vital away result for the Premier League leaders.
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Madueke, who was brought on to replace Bukayo Saka after the latter endured a difficult evening, earned the spot-kick converted by Havertz.
Reacting to the former Chelsea winger’s performance, Keown praised his dynamism and the way he rejuvenated Arsenal’s display in the second half.
”The team started the second half very sloppily, and Arteta’s decision to substitute Saka—who was not at his best—was pivotal,” Keown remarked.
”Madueke, with that driving run to win the penalty, was so dynamic when he came on. I think he transformed Arsenal on that right-hand side.”
Following the draw, Arsenal will host Leverkusen in the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.
