Nodding along: Cole Palmer
Chelsea Football Newsletter
Noni Madueke has been left in no doubt over Chelsea fans' feelings towards him after joining Arsenal, much to Cole Palmer's apparent amusement.
Madueke was subjected to a chorus of boos as he was substituted on for the Gunners at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, marking his first return to the club since a £48million switch across London in the summer.
The former Tottenham academy star spent two-and-a-half seasons with Chelsea, having joined in January 2023 for less than £30m, before Arsenal came calling with a deal worth over £50m including add-ons.
Having only recently returned from injury, Madueke had to settle for a place on the bench, but was called upon by Mikel Arteta to replace Gabriel Martinelli in the second half.
As his name was read out and broadcast by the PA system, Madueke was met with loud boos from the stands, and Palmer appeared to approve of the taunting of his long-time friend by turning to the crowd and nodding.
Palmer and Madueke's friendship goes back before the pair's two-year stint together at Chelsea, having first met in 2017 before coming through the England youth ranks together.
Enzo Fernandez celebrates in front of Noni Madueke
But it was not only fans’ jeers that Madueke had to contend with, but also the likes of Enzo Fernandez, who turned to his former team-mates to celebrate a clearance late in the game.
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There was little bad blood on show after the final whistle, though, with Madueke seen being embraced by Chelsea captain Reece James on the pitch before Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana approached him.