Premier League Awards Olimpico Strike to Madueke in Arsenal Win
Noni Madueke’s long wait for a Premier League goal has officially come to an end after the league confirmed that his corner against Leeds United should be credited to him rather than recorded as an own goal.
The Premier League has ruled in Noni Madueke’s favour, awarding him an Olimpico goal that sealed his first league strike for Arsenal during a 4-0 win at Leeds.
The Arsenal winger was introduced into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI at short notice after Bukayo Saka suffered an injury, but he wasted no time making an impact during Saturday’s emphatic 4-0 victory at Elland Road.
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Martin Zubimendi had already given Arsenal the lead in the 27th minute, heading home to underline the Gunners’ continued threat from dead-ball situations.
Madueke then delivered a decisive moment from a corner in the 38th minute. His inswinging cross from the right bent toward the far post, forcing Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow to scramble back onto his line. Caught behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Darlow failed to punch clear and instead diverted the ball onto the post and into his own net. The effort was initially ruled an own goal.
Despite Arsenal’s comfortable win, Madueke expressed frustration with that verdict after the final whistle. He insisted the ball was heading into the goal regardless and urged the Premier League to reconsider its decision during an interview with BBC Sport.
That appeal has since been upheld. In an official statement, the Premier League confirmed that its Goal Accreditation Panel had reviewed the incident and awarded the goal to Madueke, giving the former Chelsea winger his first Premier League goal since joining Arsenal.
Madueke moved to the Emirates Stadium from Chelsea in the summer of 2025 and has already found the net three times in the Champions League this season. His most recent Premier League goal before Saturday came against Manchester City on January 25, 2025, during his time at Chelsea.
With his domestic drought now over, Madueke will hope to provide more goals and assists in the coming weeks—especially if Saka faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
Arsenal’s win over Leeds keeps them comfortably clear at the top of the Premier League standings as they continue to compete across four different competitions this season.
Speaking on BBC’s Final Score, former England midfielder Fara Williams praised Madueke’s display, describing him as a genuine selection headache for both Arteta and England manager Thomas Tuchel. She highlighted his past performances for England and his ability to seize opportunities when given minutes.
Arteta echoed those sentiments, explaining that Madueke’s preparation ensured he was ready to step in at the last moment and make a meaningful contribution.
Attention now turns to Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, where Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium while holding a 3-2 advantage on aggregate.
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