NONI MADUEKE returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his shock summer move from Chelsea to Arsenal on Sunday – and Cole Palmer showed there was no love lost.
The heated Premier League clash ended all square, with the Gunners’ Mikel Merino cancelling out Trevoh Chalobah’s opener.
Both goals came after Chelsea had already been reduced to ten men – thanks to Moises Caicedo being dismissed after video review.
And Madueke, who was part of the Blues squad which won the Uefa Conference League and Club World Cup earlier this year, came off the bench for table-topping Arsenal.
The England international was greeted by jeers from the Chelsea fanbase when he replaced Gabriel Martinelli just before the hour mark – and Palmer’s response to his reception spoke volumes.
Footage shared on X showed the talisman seemingly approving the supporters booing his former teammate by nodding in their direction when he was warming up.
FAN CHAOS
Ajax game abandoned as fireworks display erupts in stands in honour of dead ultra
Welcome offer
Get a £50 welcome bonus when you join Sun Vegas and spend £10
Madueke, 23, also had to deal with Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella shouting in his face when they celebrated a clearance being made after he had been left on the ground.
The winger swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in July, when he completed a £52million switch.
And Madueke has gone on to make nine appearances in all competitions as the Gunners go in search of ending their wait for a Premier League title.
He grabbed his first Arsenal goal when he found the back of the net in the North Londoners’ Champions League win against Bayern Munich last week.
Although Madueke was forced to contend with a hostile atmosphere when he came off the bench, he was seen mixing with his former teammates at the final whistle.
He was embraced by Chelsea captain Reece James after the points were shared, while Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana were also among the players to greet him.
Palmer, 23, did not come off the bench for Enzo Maresca’s Blues, but it was the first time he had been included in the matchday squad since suffering a toe injury.
He has a long-term friendship with Madueke after they came through the England youth ranks together.
Both of them are now fighting to prove their fitness after recovering from injuries and are expected to be included in the Three Lions’ World Cup squad next year.
Read the full article here
