Premier League February Update: Arsenal’s Madueke Scores First, Bruno Fernandes Nears Assist Record, and New Sunderland Signing Ta Bi

Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has officially been awarded his first Premier League goal thanks to a decision from the Premier League’s Goal Accreditation Panel. Originally scored as an own goal by Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow during Arsenal’s dominant 4-0 victory at Elland Road, the panel confirmed Monday that Madueke’s corner kick, which was deflected into the net, will now go down to his name. The reclassification marks a milestone for the young former Chelsea talent and underscores Arsenal’s commanding form in the fixture.

Bruno Fernandes: Premier League Playmaker on the Verge of History

Manchester United’s captain Bruno Fernandes is in sensational assist form during the 2025/26 season, providing 12 assists in his last 14 appearances, and leading the race for the Premier League’s Coca-Cola Golden Playmaker award. Football analyst Adrian Clarke highlights Fernandes’ evolution from relying on set-piece assists — seven of his 12 assists come from dead-ball situations — to delivering crucial open-play passes that unlock defences. Notably, Fernandes has thrived playing in an advanced No 10 role under interim managers Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, creating key chances within the final third and setting up teammates with precise deliveries. If he maintains this prolific rate — averaging 0.86 assists per game recently — Fernandes could surpass the existing Premier League single-season assist record of 20, held jointly by Thierry Henry (2002/03) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019/20). Additionally, with eight of his assists registered away from Old Trafford, Fernandes is well on his way to setting a new record for away assists in a season.

Sunderland’s New African Signing: Jocelin Ta Bi’s Arrival and Prospects

Sunderland has bolstered their squad during the winter transfer window by securing Ivorian winger Jocelin Ta Bi from Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan for €4 million. At only 18 years old when making his first-team debut in Ivory Coast, Ta Bi is already earmarked as a rising star with immense potential. Although he is currently sidelined due to an ankle injury and yet to make his Premier League debut, Ta Bi has signed a long-term contract running through 2030, with an option for an additional year. His current market value stands at €375,000 but is expected to ascend as he gains top-flight experience. Moreover, the young winger is anticipated to enter the radar of Ivory Coast national team coach Emerse Faé, setting sights on potential World Cup involvement.

Fantasy Premier League Insights: Transfer Trends and Price Changes

Fantasy Premier League managers are navigating subtle price changes this week, though no players have risen in value as of early February. Notable fallers include Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Brentford’s Kevin Schade, who have both decreased in price by £0.1m. The most transferred-in players leading into Gameweek 25 include Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, reflecting their recent form and influence on the pitch. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has seen significant transfers out, likely influenced by recent team dynamics and injury concerns. These fluctuations highlight how real-life performances and managerial decisions continue to impact fantasy selections and strategy.

Conclusion

The Premier League continues to captivate fans with compelling storylines both on and off the pitch. Arsenal’s Madueke celebrates a fresh milestone as his first official league goal, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes is on the cusp of rewriting record books with his assist tally, and Sunderland’s acquisition of Jocelin Ta Bi brings promising new talent to England. As February unfolds, supporters and fantasy managers alike will watch these narratives evolve, shaping the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.