Martin Keown had an awkward exchange with Noni Madueke after the winger played a starring role in Arsenal beating Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Some sections of the Arsenal fanbase were surprised at the £52million outlay on Madueke in the summer. While Madueke is clearly an exciting talent, he did not establish himself as one of Chelsea’s very best players during his time at Stamford Bridge.
However, the right-sided attacker enjoyed a successful international break with England and continued that good form at the Emirates when Ange Postecoglou’s Forest came to visit.
Madueke caused the Forest defence all sorts of problems, particularly makeshift left-back Morato.
Madueke used his trickery and pace to breeze past Morato with relative ease before crossing into the box.
The 23-year-old is also showing improved decision-making, setting up Viktor Gyokeres for a powerful drive that cannoned back off the woodwork in the second half, while his set-piece deliveries are dangerous too.
Arsenal beat Forest 3-0 to pick up their third Premier League win of the season, courtesy of a Martin Zubimendi brace – including a sensational strike – and a breakaway Gyokeres goal.
After the game, Keown embarrassingly told Madueke to his face that he can be a ‘selfish’ player, before going on to praise the England international.
“Noni, have you taken your game to another level? Because you look more collective. I was worried about you when you came. Because I thought sometimes you can be a little bit selfish,” Keown said on TNT Sports.
“But now, you seem to have got really good balance to your play. The decisions you’re making have been outstanding.”
Presenter Lynsey Hipgrave defended Madueke by saying: “Feel free to tell him he’s talking rubbish.”
Keown replied: “No, no. I think it’s getting that balance. I think your decision-making has changed. Is that the manager? Is it the new club? What has happened?”
Madueke maturely responded: “I feel it’s important to keep that self-belief that you can get the ball and do it yourself as well.
“As a winger, I feel like you need that. But of course, like you’re saying, I’m playing with such top players and it’s important for me to try and find them as much as I try and play my own type of game.”
“It’s easy to play with these guys. I’m having a great time. Maybe I have taken a step in that direction.”
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Arsenal supporters criticise Martin Keown
It is fair to say Arsenal fans were not happy with Keown’s comment. One wrote on social media (via SportBible): ‘Martin Keown makes me cringe. Somebody take that mic off him. Telling Madueke to his face that he’s selfish.’
A second added: ‘Martin Keown, what sort of nonsense is that comment.’
‘I loved how Madueke answered the question about selfish play from Martin Keown,’ a third said.
‘He gave a pretty mature and stoic answer and that’s great considering he plays for The Arsenal. Media will always try to bait players especially when the team is doing well. Well in.’
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