STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING. Noni Madueke has just produced one of the goals of the Champions League season.
The Arsenal winger picked up the ball on the right flank, looked up, and decided he fancied it. What followed was absolute filth.
The goal
Madueke drove at the Brugge defence with that trademark directness. One defender tried to close him down. Then another. Neither could get near him.
The 22-year-old cut inside onto his left foot, opened up his body, and curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner. The goalkeeper did not even move. He knew it was in the moment it left Madueke's boot.
Four minutes before half-time and Arsenal have broken the deadlock in Belgium. That is what happens when you have quality like this in your squad.
The bigger picture
This is Madueke's second Champions League goal for the Gunners after his strike against Bayern Munich two weeks ago. The former Chelsea man is making a serious case for a permanent starting spot.
Arsenal came into this match with a perfect record in Europe - five wins from five. They sit top of the Champions League table and are showing the continent exactly why they should be feared.
Mikel Arteta's injury-ravaged squad keeps finding ways to win. They keep producing moments of brilliance when it matters most. Madueke tonight. Buendia for Villa against them on Saturday. Football is funny like that.
What it means
A win tonight would extend Arsenal's lead at the top of the Champions League and virtually guarantee a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.
More importantly, it would send a message. This Arsenal team is for real. They can compete on multiple fronts despite missing half their first-choice squad.
Madueke has gone from fringe player to match-winner in the space of a month. That is the depth Arteta has built. That is why Arsenal are genuine contenders for everything this season.
What. A. Goal.
