Former Arsenal star and pundit Paul Merson has made a stunning public admission, confessing he was 'horribly wrong' in his assessment of Gunners winger Noni Madueke.
From Chelsea Doubts to Arsenal Revelation
Merson's comments come amid a superb start to the season for Mikel Arteta's side, who can go top of the Premier League with a win at Everton on Saturday. The summer saw Arsenal invest heavily, bringing in eight new faces. The most controversial arrival was that of Noni Madueke, who completed a £52million switch from rivals Chelsea.
The transfer was initially met with hostility from a section of the Arsenal support, even prompting a petition demanding the club cancel the deal. The 23-year-old England international had shown flashes of talent at Stamford Bridge but was inconsistent, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 46 appearances last term.
Merson's Frank Mea Culpa on Sky Sports
Speaking on Sky Sports, lifelong Chelsea fan Merson was effusive in his praise for Madueke's transformation. 'If there's one player I would have sold at the start of the season from Chelsea, it would have been him,' Merson stated. 'I hardly saw him have a good game with Chelsea. He never went past players, very hot and cold.'
He continued: 'But since he's been at Arsenal, he's been a revelation, he's been absolutely unbelievable. Arsenal play a lot quicker, they get the ball out to the wingers and they can go and have a go.' Merson highlighted the winger's direct style, comparing him to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah for his ability to take on defenders at pace without overcomplicating play.
Impact on Arsenal's Title and European Ambitions
While Madueke is yet to register a goal or assist in the Premier League, his impact has been significant in Europe. He has scored three times in the Champions League, helping fire Arsenal to the summit of the league phase table. His form provides crucial cover and competition for Bukayo Saka, reducing the team's dependence on their star man.
Merson believes this depth is a game-changer for Arsenal's trophy hopes. 'When you see someone's number come up you think, "I've got rid of him". And then all of a sudden someone else comes on who's just very similar and fresh,' he said, describing the dilemma for defenders. 'To swap players like-for-like, it's very rare you can get that... But you're not at the moment. The way he's playing is perfect on that side.'
With the busy festive period and knockout European football ahead, Madueke's seamless adaptation and Merson's dramatic U-turn symbolise a squad growing in strength and confidence as they chase silverware.
