Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has been humbled. He threw praise on Noni Madueke after the winger’s beautiful start at the Emirates defied his summer doubts. Speaking on a recent Soccer Special, he admitted his initial doubts about Arsenal’s £50 million capture from Chelsea were wide of the mark, as Noni Madueke has become a revelation in Mikel Arteta‘s title-chasing side ahead of their game with Everton.
From Skepticism to Revelation
Paul Merson was blunt in July: “If there’s one player I would have sold at the start of the season from Chelsea, it would have been him. I hardly saw him have a good game with Chelsea. He never went past players, very hot and cold.” Echoing fan concerns, he questioned whether the 23-year-old could handle the pressure at a club gunning for glory. Madueke’s inconsistent Blues tenure led to limited starts and a loan spell fueled the mockery, with many fearing he’d be another expensive flop.
Paul Merson on Madueke:
🗣️ "He has been absolutely outstanding. I'm a big Chelsea fan. If there was one player I would have sold at the start of the season from Chelsea, it would have been him.
I never see him hardly have one good game at Chelsea. He never went past players.… pic.twitter.com/HKWzPgwhUP
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) December 19, 2025
Madueke’s Emirates Explosion
Fast-forward five months, and Madueke has silenced critics with flair. Four goals and three assists in 12 appearances, including a Champions League stunner against Club Brugge, highlight his adaptation. “But since he’s been at Arsenal, he’s been a revelation, he’s been absolutely unbelievable,” Merson gushed. Thriving in Arsenal’s high-octane system, his direct runs and pace have added a sharp edge, complementing Bukayo Saka‘s subtlety. Arteta’s tactical tweaks have unlocked Madueke’s one-on-one prowess.
Merson’s Mea Culpa and Future Outlook
The ex-Gunner credits Arsenal’s quicker tempo: “Arsenal play a lot quicker, they get the ball out to the wingers and they can go and have a go.” Madueke’s confidence rose—despite early injury woes—has him eyeing a permanent spot, with supporters chanting his name. As Arsenal sit third, Merson’s turnaround underscores the player’s potential to defy odds further. In football’s unforgiving spotlight, Madueke’s story is one of redemption, proving predictions are made to be broken.
As featured on GoonerNews.com