Ray Parlour accuses Arsenal star of 'not doing his job' in Leeds victory

Arsenal managed to get back to winning ways on Saturday as they came from behind to beat Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium but one star in particular has come in for criticism

Ray Parlour has criticised Arsenal star Noni Madueke for his defensive efforts in the Gunners’ win against Leeds. Mikel Arteta’s side got back to winning ways on Sunday after coming from behind.

James Justin had given the Yorkshire side the lead but goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimaraes flipped the game on its head.

In assessing the result, Parlour did have one complaint and that was Madueke’s efforts in attempting to stop Justin’s opener.

Speaking to Premier League Productions, the former midfielder said: “I thought Leeds were the better team up to that 60th minute when they made the substitution, until the equaliser, and they deserved it.

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“You could see the fans really enjoying the goal and it was an excellent goal, it really was. You’ve got to really concentrate on just getting your connection right with the pace and Justin certainly got that right."

He added: “Madueke has got to do better there. I played in the wide areas at times and you’ve got to track your runners as well.

“As much as you like going forward, you’ve got to do a good job for your team. He’ll be disappointed with what he sees there when he looks back at it.”

Despite that, Parlour did praise Madueke for his reaction as the England winger played a key role in Arsenal’s equaliser. He said: “He [Madueke] is better going forward, we know that.

“This is a very, very important goal, they were just about to make the substitutions as well. It was a real deep cross at the back post and it is a brilliant header across. Calafiori gets into a dangerous area and he finishes it.

“It’s a little bit harsh if I say James Trafford maybe should have done better. It was a much-needed goal for Arsenal at that time because Leeds looked pretty comfortable before that goal.”

Madueke has endured a tricky season for Arsenal so far this term. The 24-year-old has made just three starts, one of those coming in the Premier League. His only goal of the season came in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup victory against Ipswich Town.

Madueke has been linked with a move away from North London in the January transfer window, with both Atletico Madrid and Juventus having emerged as potential suitors for the former Chelsea forward.

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