Former Arsenal Star Criticises Ademola Lookman After Atletico Madrid Defeat

Posted : 08 September 2026

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has come under criticism from former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson following Atletico Madrid's 3-0 defeat to Athletic Club at San Mamés. Lookman started the La Liga match but struggled to influence the contest before being substituted in the 58th minute.

Atletico Madrid controlled 62 percent of possession and registered 15 attempts, but they struggled to create clear opportunities in the final third. Athletic Club produced a dominant second-half display as Nico Williams and Robert Navarro scored within three minutes of the restart, before Oihan Sancet added a third goal in the 90th minute.

Lookman operated from the left side but found it difficult to get into dangerous positions. He managed only one shot and did not complete a successful dribble before his withdrawal, according to match analysis.

Robson questioned Atletico's attacking approach during ESPN's analysis of the match. The former England midfielder felt Diego Simeone's side lacked the individual quality and combinations needed to break Athletic Club's defensive structure.

“It was a poor second-half performance. Lookman didn't really get involved in the game,” Robson said.

The criticism comes only a week after Lookman delivered a much stronger performance against Sevilla. The Nigerian scored his first Atletico Madrid goal in the 3-1 victory at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium after failing to score against Málaga and Villarreal.

The defeat was Atletico's first of the La Liga season. It also exposed concerns over the team's attacking balance, with Lookman becoming isolated on the left as Athletic Club's intensity increased after the interval.

For Lookman, attention now turns to a major Champions League test against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. Atletico will need a stronger attacking performance after their heavy defeat in Bilbao, while Lookman will be hoping to regain the form he showed against Sevilla.

The match also gives the Nigerian another opportunity to make an early impression in European competition following his move to Atletico Madrid. A strong performance against Liverpool would provide an immediate response to the criticism surrounding his display at San Mamés.

Former Arsenal Star Criticises Ademola Lookman After Atletico Madrid Defeat

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