Arsenal news: What the numbers reveal about Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and their goal problems
The problem is what happens after the postponement. Madueke’s expected goals and assists remain low, his finishing pass is inconsistent, and the volume of his shots is not high enough to compensate. He arrives in promising positions but fails to turn it into an end product, a theme running through Arsenal’s forward line this season.
This broader context is important. Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard are all suffering extended droughts, leaving Arsenal too reliant on set pieces to score (xG from set pieces was 0.8 and xG from open play was 0.39 against Manchester United).
The data regarding Saka and Madueke reinforces this image. Arsenal’s right wingers continue to progress the ball, continue to press, still contribute defensively and still generate pressure in advanced areas. Both average similar numbers for touches and high pressures per 90, highlighting their work off the ball.
What’s missing is not effort or structure, but cruelty. Saka’s numbers suggest he should have more goals. Madueke suggests he needs more volume and sharper final actions.
Until that changes, Arsenal could continue to look like a team that does a lot of good in possession but struggles to finish the job in open play – a flaw that the statistics now routinely expose.