Theo Walcott has praised Noni Madueke after Arsenal's 1-0 win over Hull City, saying the winger now plays with freedom and confidence and has earned the trust of his teammates.
Arsenal needed a late goal from Martin Odegaard, who reacted quickest to score from a rebound in the 72nd minute, to secure the victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Madueke's impact against Hull
Madueke caused problems for Hull on Arsenal's right flank, and it was his shot, saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis, that led to Odegaard's winning goal.
The 24-year-old has faced criticism from Arsenal supporters since his £52 million move from Chelsea last year, but Walcott believes he has now settled into Mikel Arteta's side.
Walcott on Madueke's confidence
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Walcott said: 'I think he's just playing with that freedom and confidence. I think the players around him understand if he loses the ball they'll get it back for him, and they trust him and they're giving him the ball more and more often because he does things that other players won't be able to do.'
Walcott added: 'He can be frustrating, and you get that inconsistency with wingers, I was one of those at times who you'd get frustrated with. However, they'd always go and go again.'
He continued: 'I feel like it's always a full-back, go back to your strengths as wingers, don't overthink things, play with that freedom. His decision-making, he gets shots away, he has the freedom to get into the area and to be dangerous and to get your rewards. I think if you're relentless at the defenders, you keep them guessing all the time and that's what he does, he keeps defenders guessing. He's difficult isn't he.'
Walcott also compared Madueke to Bukayo Saka, saying: 'He's a different player to Bukayo Saka as well, he does things a little bit different, I've been really impressed with him because he's had to be patient.'
