Chelsea star stormed straight down the tunnel after Enzo Maresca decision during Arsenal draw

In Chelsea’s last Premier League game before the November international break, a resilient 1-1 comeback against Arsenal, head coach Enzo Maresca made several tactical substitutions in the second half at Stamford Bridge. One notable switch came midway through the half when Noni Madueke, 22, was replaced by Mykhaylo Mudryk. Madueke appeared visibly frustrated by the decision, heading directly to the tunnel after being taken off. This change was part of a double substitution that also saw Enzo Fernandez replace Romeo Lavia, who seemed to be dealing with a minor injury. Unlike Lavia, Madueke showed no signs of injury, making the substitution likely a tactical choice by Maresca.

During the match, Madueke showed flashes of creativity, managing to complete all three of his attempted dribbles and surpassing two Arsenal defenders. He was Chelsea’s only player to successfully execute multiple take-ons, although his shots were either blocked or went wide. Despite his efforts, this was another game he didn’t finish; he hasn’t played a full Premier League match since October’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, where he last scored to equalize.

Though he hasn’t recorded a goal or assist recently, Madueke remains in interim England manager Lee Carsley’s squad for their upcoming Nations League matches. He has appeared as a substitute in the national team’s past three games and will join the squad for a trip to Greece before returning to Wembley to face the Republic of Ireland. These fixtures provide Madueke with key chances to make an impression on Thomas Tuchel, who is set to take over as England’s permanent head coach early next year.