Ex-Arsenal man Ray Parlour slams Noni Madueke for defensive lapse vs Leeds

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has criticised winger Noni Madueke for failing to track back during Leeds United’s goal in the Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium. Parlour said Madueke would be disappointed when he reviews the replay of James Justin’s strike, which gave Leeds an early lead before Arsenal fought back to win 2-1. Speaking in the Premier League Productions studio, Parlour insisted that wide players must balance attacking runs with defensive duties, noting from his own experience that tracking runners is essential. He added that Madueke ‘has got to do better there’ and that the lapse highlights a recurring issue for Arsenal’s wingers in transition phases. The Gunners overturned the deficit through goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, securing three points that keep them in the top-four race. While the victory eased pressure on manager Mikel Arteta, Parlour’s comments underscore the defensive expectations placed on modern full‑backs and wide attackers. Do you think Madueke needs to improve his tracking back, or was the mistake an isolated incident in an otherwise solid performance?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/10/12/epl-hell-be-disappointed-ray-parlour-knocks-arsenal-star/