Theo Walcott singles out ‘frustrating’ Arsenal star after Hull City win
- Released
- 2026-11-07 18:26
Theo Walcott says Noni Madueke is playing with ‘freedom’ at Arsenal (Getty) Theo Walcott has praised Noni Madueke after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Hull City and believes the winger has now earned the trust of his Gunners teammates. Arsenal endured a frustrating afternoon at the Emirates Stadium and needed a quick reaction from Martin Odegaard, who pounced on a rebound to score the winning goal in the 72nd minute. Madueke had caused Hull City problems on Arsenal’s right flank and it was his shot, which was saved by Konstantinos Tzolakis before Odegaard reacted quickest to score. The 24-year-old has faced criticism from Arsenal supporters following his £52 million move from Chelsea last year but Walcott insists the winger has now found his feet in Mikel Arteta’s side. Get personalised updates on your favourite club Sign up to our daily football newsletter, pick your team and get the latest news sent directly to your inbox every morning. ‘I think he’s just playing with that freedom and confidence,’ Walcott told Premier League Productions. ‘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. Martin Odegaard pounced from close range to score Arsenal’s winner against Hull (Getty) ‘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. ‘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. ‘He’s a different player to Bukayo Saka as…



