Rio Ferdinand has called on Arsenal supporters who doubted Noni Madueke to apologise, following the winger's strong performances since his £52million move from Chelsea. The 23-year-old arrived in the summer with question marks over his consistency but has quickly won over the Emirates faithful.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined by injury, Madueke has taken his chance on the right flank, scoring his first England goal and delivering a man-of-the-match display against Nottingham Forest. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: 'I just want to give the haters, the naysayers who were hammering Madueke a message. Those fans need to come out now and say sorry.'
Madueke's form has been a bright spot for Arsenal as they prepare to begin their Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating: 'The margins in this competition are super small and you have to be at your very best from day one.'
Reflecting on last season's run to the semi-finals, Arteta added: 'We are good enough to compete against any opposition, but two things have to go your way – a full squad at critical moments and the ball going in at the right time.'
