Mikel Arteta praised Noni Madueke’s professionalism after he put in a sterling performance at Leeds United despite being a last-minute addition to our line-up.

The winger replaced Bukayo Saka after he picked up an injury in the warm-up, but despite having just a few minutes to prepare, Noni created two goals in the first half to set us on our way to a fifth away win already in 2026.

And while Mikel was delighted with that impact, he wasn’t surprised given what he sees from our forward day in, day out, who stepped up when a curveball was thrown our way. That, coupled with the goalscoring exploits of Vikor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus who now have seven across the last six matches combined, meant Mikel was a delighted manager come full-time.

“We keep telling them to be ready because the most unexpected moments are going to be thrown in the battle, and it happened in the warm-up,” he said post-match. “[Noni] was certainly ready. The way he prepares every day is fantastic, and he made a difference for the team.

“You talk about the strikers and their goals, but the work rate and the strength that they showed today, again...