What Mikel Arteta said about Noni Madueke after Leeds should worry Christos Tzolis

Arsenal managed to return from the international break with a win over the weekend. After the defeat to Brighton before the pause, it was important for the Gunners to regain their momentum, and they did, by beating Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates.

It was no simple win for Mikel Arteta's side, as they went behind early in the second half, but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes saved the Gunners, and left them three points behind rivals Man City in the Premier League table.

Noni Madueke took his chance on the left-wing

The left-wing position was a big talking point on Saturday, as Christos Tzolis suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty for Greece. Noni Madueke took the starting spot against Leeds and impressed on his chance, with WhoScored.com rating him the second-best player on the pitch behind Calafiori.

There was certainly room for improvement for Madueke, but there were encouraging signs for the England international, especially considering that it was his first start of the season. Arteta was particularly impressed with Madueke over the weekend too, praising him in an interview after the game.

He told Sky Sports News: "He took his chance. What he's done is raise the level. And in training he's been the best player in the last 10 days. You could see that every time he was in and around the ball, he looked a threat."

What does this mean for Tzolis?

Madueke's impressive outing against Leeds could be really damaging for Tzolis. Since the start of the season, Arsenal have been looking for a solution on the left-wing, after they sold Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in the summer.

Tzolis had been the first choice, starting the first five Premier League games; however, he only managed to record an assist and was only able to show his talent in flashes. His injury allowed Madueke the chance to start, and he looked a lot more impactful, creating the most chances, completing the most crosses, and having the most touches in Leeds' box.

The Greek winger is expected to return within a few weeks, but when he does, it may be too late. If Madueke can keep his form, then Tzolis will lose his starting spot without much of a chance. It would be a shame, seeing as he's clearly a very talented player, but when Madueke is making more of an impact, Tzolis' role could become that of a benchwarmer.

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