Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 11 January 2026 16:53, UK

Noni Madueke could only shake his head after putting a howler of a penalty wide of the post in Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Portsmouth on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta was hoping to see a bounce-back after Arsenal drew 0-0 with Liverpool on Thursday, and he certainly got that.

Consecutive goals from corners put the Gunners in front before half-time, after Colby Bishop had given Portsmouth a shock lead.

And in the second half, Gabriel Martinelli completed his hat-trick to seal the Gunners’ place in the next round of the FA Cup.

Madueke has had brilliant moments this season for Arsenal, but he will not want look back on his penalty at Fratton Park.

Arsenal fans in disbelief after Noni Madueke penalty

It was an awful start for Madueke and Arsenal when the winger lost the ball and Kepa Arrizabalaga‘s weak parry gave Portsmouth the lead.

But the Gunners quickly levelled when a scrambled corner was inadvertently turned into his own net by Andre Dozzell.

And another corner had them ahead mid-way through the first half when Madueke guided a perfect delivery onto the head of Martinelli.

Madueke was full of confidence and won a penalty when he was dragged down by Zak Swanson inside the box just minutes before the break.

Having won it, the England international wanted to take it as well, but saw his spot kick sail wide after a stutter had sent goalkeeper Josef Bursik diving the wrong way.

Arsenal fans reacted to the moment immediately, with one claiming “that Madueke pen completely sums him up as a player.”

Another described the missed penalty as “atrocious”, and questioned how the winger had put it wide despite having sent the keeper the wrong way.

Others questioned why Madueke had taken the penalty in the first place, with the likes of Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus on the pitch.

One Arsenal fan took it even further, suggesting that the club should “fine Madueke” for the “egregious” moment.

Madueke’s stats vs Portsmouth

Madueke will not want to remember his penalty on Sunday, but the winger did walk away having earned two assists.

The England international was a constant threat on the right, and the home side had little way to deal with him.

Madueke was fouled six times throughout the match, and created three chances in a superb showing going forward.

Arteta will have words for him regarding the opening goal and the way he skewed his penalty, but this was, by no means, a bad day for the 23-year-old.