Theo Walcott singles out ‘frustrating’ Arsenal star after Hull City win | Football

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.

‘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.

‘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 well, he does things a little bit different, I’ve been really impressed with him because he’s had to be patient.’

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