The ex-Arsenal defender chatted with Madueke following the final whistle.
Martin Keown has come under fire for his style of questioning during a post-match interview with Arsenal attacker Noni Madueke.
Since joining Arsenal from Chelsea in July for a record £48.5 million, Madueke has appeared in all four of the club’s opening Premier League games, and his performances have been praised by many.
He maintained his impressive form on Saturday afternoon, with goals from summer additions Martin Zubimendi (2) and Viktor Gyokeres securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
After the game, Madueke spoke with the TNT Sports punditry crew on his first season at Arsenal and their performance versus Forest.
However, midway through the interview, Madueke was asked a difficult issue by former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, who claimed Madueke has been “a little bit selfish” in the past.
Keown began the questioning by saying, “Noni, have you taken your game to the next level?” Because you appear more collective. I was anxious about you when you arrived. Because I believed that sometimes you may be a little selfish.”
He went on to say, “But you now appear to have a very nice balance in your play. You’ve made amazing decisions.”
Lynsey Hipgrave, a TNT presenter, interjected, as seen in the video below. “Feel free to tell him he’s talking rubbish,” she said, laughing.
Keown said, “No, no. I believe it’s achieving that balance. I believe your decision-making has changed. Is that the manager? Is this the new club? “What happened?”
To his credit, Madueke provided a calm reaction. “I feel it’s important to keep that self-belief that you can get the ball and do it yourself as well,” stated the basketball coach.
“As a winger, I believe you need that. But, as you mentioned, I’m playing with such good players, and it’s just as vital for me to find them as it is to play my own style of game.”
He continued, “It’s easy to play with these folks. I am having a terrific time. Perhaps I’ve taken a step in that direction.
https://x.com/footballontnt/status/1966863062528303249
Here’s how fans on social media responded to Keown’s line of questioning.
One commented, “Martin Keown makes me cringe. Someone take the microphone from him. Telling Madueke to his face that he is selfish,” while another wrote: “Martin Keown, what kind of nonsense is that comment?”
A third person said, “I liked how Madueke responded to Martin Keown’s question about selfish play.” He responded maturely and stoically, which is impressive given that he plays for the Arsenal. The media will constantly try to bait players, particularly when the team is performing well. “Well, @NoniMadueke_.”
A fourth commented, “Good answer by Madueke, but bit of a harsh question by Keown imo,” while a fifth said, “Oi Keown, that question to Madueke was uncalled for.”
Any thoughts on the interview? Please let us know in the comments.
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