Madueke Ends Premier League Goal Drought With Olimpico Strike

Noni Madueke ended his long wait for a Premier League goal in dramatic fashion, as the Arsenal winger was officially credited with an Olimpico goal during the Gunners’ emphatic 4-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road.

Noni Madueke’s Olimpico Lifts Arsenal Past Leeds

Noni Madueke made a statement start for Arsenal, seizing his chance in the absence of Bukayo Saka. Drafted into Mikel Arteta’s lineup, Madueke was lively from the start and proved a constant threat to the Leeds defense. Arsenal had already taken the lead in the 27th minute through Martin Zubimendi’s well-timed header, setting the tone for a dominant display.

The highlight came in the 38th minute when Madueke swung a dangerous corner in from the right. His delivery bent menacingly toward the near post, causing confusion in the Leeds box. Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, under pressure and retreating behind his own striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, misjudged the flight and could only palm the ball onto his own post and over the line.

Initially, the goal was recorded as an own goal by Darlow despite Madueke’s cross appearing destined for the net. The Arsenal winger was visibly frustrated when informed of the decision at full-time, telling BBC Sport, “How can that be an own goal? It was on target. If the keeper’s not there it goes in. Premier League, please fix it.”

Premier League Accreditation Panel Sides With Madueke

Madueke’s plea did not fall on deaf ears. The Premier League’s Goal Accreditation Panel reviewed the incident and decided to credit the goal to Madueke. In their official statement, they confirmed: “Noni Madueke has been awarded Arsenal’s second goal in their 4-0 win at Leeds United. The goal was initially given as an own goal by Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who parried Madueke’s corner kick into the back of his own net. But the panel has now confirmed it has been credited to Madueke, giving the former Chelsea winger his first Premier League goal for Arsenal.”

Breaking a Year-Long League Drought

Madueke’s last Premier League goal had come more than twelve months earlier, while still a Chelsea player, against Manchester City on January 25, 2025. Since his transfer to Arsenal in the summer of 2025, Madueke had found the net three times in the Champions League but had been unable to replicate that form domestically—until now.

The goal marks a significant personal milestone for Madueke and comes at a crucial time as Arsenal continue to fight for major honors on all fronts this season. With Bukayo Saka sidelined, Madueke’s resurgence could hardly be timelier.

Madueke’s Form Presents Arteta With a Welcome Dilemma

Madueke’s performance didn’t go unnoticed. Former England international Fara Williams, speaking on BBC’s Final Score, commented, “Noni Madueke was really good, especially when you come so late into the game. It’s an opportunity for him and he has performed well. When he went to Arsenal and Saka got injured, he had a chance to get some games, then unfortunately suffered an injury himself. Now he’s shown what he can do. He will be a headache for both managers, Mikel Arteta and Thomas Tuchel, in the summer.”

Arteta also praised Madueke’s readiness: “He was ready. Because you cannot do that in two minutes. The way he prepares, the way he’s waiting for his opportunity, I think paid off today because he really impacted the team.”

Arsenal Eyeing Silverware Across Four Competitions

Arsenal’s convincing win over Leeds keeps them at the top of the Premier League table and maintains momentum in a season where they remain in the hunt for silverware in four competitions. Up next, they welcome Chelsea for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, holding a slim 3-2 aggregate advantage. The victory at Elland Road, coupled with Madueke’s return to the scoresheet, offers a significant boost as the fixtures come thick and fast.

The Importance of Madueke’s Goal for Arsenal

For Arsenal, Madueke’s first Premier League goal not only boosts his confidence but also provides much-needed depth and attacking flexibility, especially with Saka’s fitness in question. With the Gunners aiming to sustain their title challenge and push deep in multiple cup competitions, contributions from players like Madueke could prove decisive in the final reckoning.

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Opinion: Madueke’s Moment Could Be Season-Defining

Madueke’s perseverance and ability to seize the moment under pressure exemplify the depth and resilience of this Arsenal squad. This goal could mark the start of a crucial run, not only for Madueke’s personal confidence but also for the Gunners’ collective ambitions this season. If he continues to step up in key moments, Madueke might just have a telling impact on Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware.