Arsenal star Noni Madueke shows true colours with response to Martin Keown's 'selfish' claim

Noni Madueke of Arsenal (Image: Jack Thomas/Getty Images)

Noni Madueke had a humble response for Martin Keown - who revealed his critical first impression of Arsenal's summer recruit following his performance against Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners defeated Forest 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. A brace from Martin Zubimendi. either side of Viktor Gyokeres' latest strike for the club, were the match-defining contributions.

While Madueke 's quest for his first goal for the club since his £52m transfer from Chelsea goes on, yet again his performance proved troubling for Arsenal 's opposition.

The 23-year-old registered five key passes - four more than any other player on the field. He also completed the most dribbles, more crosses, and more touches of the ball than his fellow attackers against Forest.

This prompted an honest appraisal from Arsenal hero Keown , who was on punditry duty for TNT Sports .

He asked: "Noni how are you taking your game to another level? Because you look more collected.

"I was worried about you when you came because I thought that sometimes you can be a little selfish, but now you seem to have brought a real balance to your play.

"Today I thought you were outstanding."

In turn, Madueke was just as honest as he gave an answer to Keown and the Arsenal fans listening at home.

"I feel like it is important to keep that self-belief," he replied. "You can get the ball and you just do it yourself as a winger. I feel like you need that.

"You are playing with such top players, I know I need to find them as much as I go for my own type of game. But, yeah, it is easy to play with these guys and I am having a great time.

"Maybe I have taken a step in that direction [towards being a less selfish player]."

Madueke was starting his third match for Arsenal this season, and his second on their right flank. That looks to be where Mikel Arteta will trust the England international for the foreseeable with Bukayo Saka out injured.

Joining Saka in the treatment room is Martin Odegaard, who exited the action against Forest after just 18 minutes with another shoulder injury.

Arteta confirmed : "I don't know if it's exactly the same place, but very similar injury.

"He wasn't comfortable to continue, he's played two games with Norway, unfortunately he cannot carry on today.

"So we have to assess him with the doctors and see, but I'm sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday night."