In July, following Madueke's $66 million transfer from Chelsea, Arsenal fans criticized him, claiming he wasn't good enough and didn't justify the price tag. However, in just over two months, the 23-year-old right winger has proven them wrong. In Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on 13/9, Madueke spearheaded most of the attacks, leading fans to admit their mistake.
"Noni Madueke is a fantastic signing. The Arsenal fan base owes him a public apology. He filled in brilliantly for Saka," one fan wrote on X.
Other fans called for anyone who doubted Madueke, or even every Arsenal fan, to apologize. "If you were against signing Madueke, I want to see a public apology. Now please, do it," another fan posted.
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Madueke (right) dribbles during Arsenal's 3-0 win over Nottingham on 13/9. Photo: Arsenal |
Madueke (right) dribbles during Arsenal's 3-0 win over Nottingham on 13/9. Photo: Arsenal
English football pundits also praised Madueke. Speaking on BBC, former Man City captain Steph Houghton said Arsenal completely dominated Nottingham, highlighting Madueke's confidence and Eberechi Eze's impact on the game.
Former Wales star Danny Gabbidon added, "A lot of Arsenal fans were questioning the signing, but Madueke is playing really well. He's so difficult to defend against. He caused all sorts of problems for the opposition."
Former Arsenal player Martin Keown also revised his opinion of Madueke, directly asking him on TNT Sports: "Noni, have you taken your game to another level? Because you seem to be more of a team player. I was worried when you arrived, thinking you were a bit selfish. But now it's different. You seem to have balanced your play and are making excellent decisions."
The interview immediately sparked controversy among Arsenal fans. Many felt Keown's question was harsh, unreasonable, and unnecessary. "Keown makes me cringe," one person wrote on X. "Someone take his mic away."
Despite Keown's tough question, Madueke remained composed. The 23-year-old replied: "I feel like it's important to keep believing. But of course, like you said, I'm playing with top players. It's easy to play with them. I'm having a great time and I've probably stepped up."
Born in England, Madueke began his career at PSV in the Netherlands in 2019. In 2023, he joined Chelsea for $39 million, making 92 appearances and scoring 20 goals. Madueke made his England debut in 2024, earning nine caps and scoring one goal.
In the win against Nottingham on 13/9, Madueke started on the right wing in place of Saka. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring with a volley in the 32nd minute, before Victor Gyokeres doubled the lead at the start of the second half. Arsenal's convincing performance was capped off in the 79th minute with Zubimendi's headed goal to seal the victory.
Thanh Quy (according to BBC, X, TNT Sports)
