Crouch singles out ‘unplayable’ Arsenal star for praise as Arteta’s side thrash Nottm Forest

Former Tottenham striker Peter Crouch heaped praise on Noni Madueke for his “unplayable” performance for Arsenal in their 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

The Gunners started off the season with two wins and a defeat, as Mikel Arteta’s men look to go one better this campaign after ending last term as the Premier League’s runners-up.

After losing to Liverpool 1-0 in the match before the international break, Arsenal got their title charge back on track by beating Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for the Gunners with a sensational volley from outside the box before Viktor Gyokeres doubled their lead by tapping in a Eberechi Eze cross.

Summer signing Zubimendi, who joined from La Liga side Real Sociedad, bagged a second 11 minutes from time with a header from a Leandro Trossard cross.

Madueke, who impressed for England in the international break, was given his third start of the season and terrorised Nottingham Forest full-back Morato down their opponent’s left-hand side.

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And Crouch called Madueke, who was doubted on arrival at the Emirates Stadium, “unplayable” in the first half after watching the England international run past Morato.

Crouch said on TNT Sports: “Madueke had Morato on toast. He’s been unplayable. He’s a man full of confidence.

Former Wales international Danny Gabbidon added on Madueke on BBC Radio Five Live: “A lot of Arsenal fans were doubting the transfer and Noni Madueke looks in electric form. He can go either way. He will go on his right as much as he cuts in on his left.

“From a defensive point of view, that’s difficult to defend against. He has caused all sorts of problems.”

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Former England and Manchester City captain Steph Houghton added: “This has been more about Arsenal than it has been about Forest. Eberechi Eze has been amazing and he has given them something different. Noni Madueke, you can see his confidence is high.”

Gabbidon also commented on Zubimendi’s first goal, he said: “That’s an absolutely ridiculous strike from Martin Zubimendi

“They have been knocking on the door Arsenal. A real moment of quality.”

Speaking at half-time, Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz reported from the stadium: “Zubimendi getting off the mark is a boost for Arsenal, but all of Arsenal’s new signings that have impressed.

“Madueke looks like another version of Saka. He’s driven at the Forest left-back non-stop during that half – his five attempted dribbles the most out of anyone on the pitch.

“Eze has had four dribbles and nearly set up a goal for Gyokeres before the half. Mosquera has been playing the ball through the lines well. They haven’t been tested so far, but Arsenal aren’t missing the absent Saliba.

“This is all good news for Arsenal when it comes to depth. It means the Gunners can suffer blows like Odegaard’s injury in the first half and cope.”