Chris Sutton says ‘really smart’ Arsenal signing has damaged Chelsea | Football

Chris Sutton says a “very smart” Arsenal signing has not only strengthened Mikel Arteta’s side but also damaged London rivals Chelsea.

Premier League and Champions League leaders Arsenal suffered a rare defeat at Aston Villa over the weekend, but returned to winning ways against Club Brugge on Wednesday evening.

Noni Madueke’s double and Gabriel Martinelli’s stunner inspired Arsenal’s 3-0 victory in Belgium as the Gunners maintained their perfect record in Europe.

Former Premier League striker Sutton was particularly impressed with Madueke’s performance and said the England winger is increasingly looking like a “really smart signing” for the Gunners.

Sutton also believes Madueke was a significant ‘loss’ for Chelsea after swapping the west for north London in a summer deal worth just over £50 million.

“It wasn’t just with his goals that Noni Madueke made an impact, he did very well throughout the match and showed he is ready to do a job when called upon,” Sutton said on the BBC’s Match of the Day.

“Arsenal’s strength in depth has contributed a lot this season, and at the moment Arteta has a few injuries in key positions.

“But in those wide areas he has a lot of options and the fact that he can bring Madueke and Martinelli off the bench against Villa this weekend and then start them tonight and see them both score brilliant goals is really positive.

“More and more Madueke is looking like a really smart signing. I already thought it was a defeat to Chelsea, but you see now that he is back from injury that Arsenal can bring Saka out on that right side, or use him – this bodes very well for them with such a busy period ahead.

“Madueke was a constant threat on the right side tonight. He likes to come in and shoot, and scored the second goal by also attacking the far post, which pretty much sealed the game.

“Gabriel Martinelli wasn’t as effective on the left but still scored a very good goal and overall it was a very good night for Mikel Arteta considering how tense his team is and how tired they looked this weekend.

“So for Arsenal to win the Champions League like this is a great result for them.

“In the first half there wasn’t much, just Madueke’s goal, and Club Brugge had a few chances, but even with Norgaard having to replace in the central half they still looked pretty stable.

“In the end it was just about getting three points for Arsenal and avoiding further injuries, and they achieved both of those goals.

“They are still top of the Champions League and they still have a 100% record.

“They know they have to qualify and they even have the luxury of maybe resting their players now in their next game against Inter, which is exactly where Arteta wants to be.”