Mikel Arteta just said what Arsenal fans already knew about Noni Madueke

If one were trying to understand Noni Madueke as both a player and character, his performance in Portsmouth on Sunday pretty much encapsulated everything.

On the cusp of half-time, the winger won a penalty at Fratton Park, fouled by former Gunner Zak Swanson. Madueke quickly picked himself up, grasping the ball, confidently showing he was ready to take the subsequent spot-kick. Madueke's little stutter sent goalkeeper Josef Buršík the wrong way, only to skew his attempt wide, much to the delight of the Pompey faithful.

However, the England international did not allow this mishap to deter him. He departed the South Coast having registered two assists, delivering multiple dangerous corners, two of which were headed home by Gabriel Martinelli.

Madueke also mustered three shots, created two big chances, registered four key passes and won eight of the 15 duels he contested; only Christian Nørgaard, Mikel Merino, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ben White accumulated more than his 57 touches. Less good is the fact that he lost possession on 19 occasions, the most of any outfield player on the pitch.

Thus, we saw both the good and the bad from Madueke in the FA Cup, but Mikel Arteta knows he will remain a key contributor for the remainder of this season.

What Mikel Arteta said about Noni Madueke

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea, Arteta had this to say about his summer signing:

"“He was very influential, very positive. In some other things that we need to improve in terms of consistency, but the level of threat that he provides to the team is remarkable.”"

Mikel Arteta

This pretty much tallies with what Arsenal supporters have seen thus far, as well as what Madueke was producing at Chelsea. In the Premier League last season, only the late Diogo Jota, Matheus Cunha and Omar Marmoush registered more than Madueke's 3.54 shots per 90, while also ranking fifth for shots on target per 90.

However, his tally of seven goals and three assists were both below statistically what would have been expected, underlining that he still has plenty to work on when it comes to end product. The Arsenal supporters who made the journey down to Portsmouth on Sunday were eager to show their support for Madueke, who was very appreciative of their regular serenading, but could he now make himself even more popular?

On Wednesday night, Arsenal will take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final. After Manchester City's 2-0 victory at St James' Park on Tuesday night, Pep Guardiola's side will almost certainly be at Wembley on 22 March, but who will be their opponents?

Already this season, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino have all scored against their former clubs, with Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz doing so in the not too distant past. So, could Madueke score a crucial one back at the Bridge, even if he's likely to begin the night among the substitute?