Martin Keown has been criticised for his line of questioning during a post-match interview involving Arsenal forward Noni Madueke.
Since completing his £48.5 million move from Chelsea in July, Noni Madueke has featured in each of Arsenal’s first four Premier League games, earning widespread praise for his performances.
The winger once again impressed on Saturday as summer signings Martin Zubimendi (twice) and Viktor Gyökeres fired the Gunners to a convincing 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Madueke reflected on both his bright start to life in north London and the team’s strong display. But midway through the interview, he was faced with a pointed question from former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, who admitted he previously considered Madueke “a little bit selfish.”
Keown began: “Noni, have you taken your game to another level? Because you look more collective now. When you first came, I was a bit worried—I thought at times you were a bit selfish.”
He continued: “But now, you’ve really found balance in your play. Your decision-making has been outstanding. Is that down to the manager? The new club? What’s changed?”
Host Lynsey Hipgrave playfully interjected, telling Madueke: “Feel free to tell him he’s talking rubbish.”
To his credit, Madueke responded with composure: “I feel it’s important to keep that self-belief that you can get the ball and make something happen yourself. As a winger, you need that. But of course, like you’re saying, I’m playing with top players and it’s just as important to find them as it is to express my own game.”
He added: “It’s easy to play with these guys. I’m really enjoying myself. Maybe I have taken a step forward in that direction.”
Fans quickly took to social media to weigh in on Keown’s line of questioning.
One wrote: “Martin Keown makes me cringe. Somebody take that mic off him—telling Madueke to his face that he’s selfish.” Another added: “Martin Keown, what sort of nonsense is that comment?”
A third supporter praised the winger’s composure: “I loved how Madueke answered the question about selfish play from Martin Keown. Really mature and stoic—exactly what you’d expect from an Arsenal player. The media will always try to bait players, especially when the team is flying. Well in @NoniMadueke_.”
Another fan chimed in: “Good answer by Madueke, but it was a harsh question from Keown in my opinion.” A fifth said simply: “Oi Keown, that question to Madueke was uncalled for.”
What did you make of the exchange? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
