The on-loan Arsenal star grabbed headlines with his second half performance against Lyon on Sunday
Ethan Nwaneri sets up the winner against Lyon
Ethan Nwaneri set up the winner against Lyon(Image: Getty)
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Ethan Nwaneri, the Arsenal youngster currently on loan at Marseille, has received glowing praise from the French press for his role in Marseille's 3-2 win over Lyon on Sunday. The 18-year-old entered the fray in the second half, having begun the match as a substitute.
He then set up ex-Gunners ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who smashed in the decisive goal in the 91st minute. Lyon had seized an early lead courtesy of Corentin Tolisso.
Igor Paixao's effort then propelled Marseille back into contention in the second half before Remi Himbert re-established Lyon's lead. Aubameyang equalised with his first goal of the match in the 81st minute before snatching all three points for Marseille just ten minutes later.
Nwaneri has found himself sidelined in recent weeks following a challenging period in France. Despite facing numerous hurdles since joining the club in January, including a managerial change, Nwaneri has demonstrated glimpses of his potential - and none more so than against Lyon.
As per the French media, Nwaneri's contribution to Marseille's victory was attributed to the Arsenal starlet's cross and its unerring precision.
Get Football said: "Marseille ran out 3-2 winners in yet another dramatic Olympic clash at the Stade Velodrome after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's injury-time effort, aided by Ethan Nwaneri's cross.
"The Englishman provided the ball across for Aubameyang to slot home (90+1′). The Velodrome burst into joy, pyros let off, smoke bombs, bouncing supporters."
In their assessment of Aubameyang, the outlet said: "Aubameyang then popped up just at the right place and time to turn home Nwaneri's pin-balled cross for OM's dramatic winner."
Ethan Nwaneri celebrates scoring for Marseille
Nwaneri made the perfect start at Marseille by scoring against Lens(Image: Miguel MEDINA / AFP via Getty Images)
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L'Equipe reported that Nwaneri delivered an "impeccable cross" for Aubameyang's winning goal. The French publication also praised the match-winning assist enthusiastically.
Nwaneri finalised his move to Marseille during the January transfer window. He netted on his debut against Lens merely a day afterwards.
The 18-year-old scored after only 13 minutes in a 3-1 triumph for his new club. This prompted many supporters to anticipate the Arsenal prospect would continue to thrive under manager Roberto De Zerbi - before the Italian boss left the club following a 5-0 battering by PSG in early February.
Whilst he featured in all three matches under De Zerbi, Nwaneri remained amongst the substitutes throughout the opening fixture under new manager Habib Beye.
Ethan Nwaneri of Marseille
Ethan Nwaneri has faced several issues during his first month at Marseille(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Beye subsequently brought him on for 20 minutes in the following match, a loss to Brest. Nevertheless, his second-half display against Lyon may have provided his new boss with something to consider.
Fabrice Lamperti, who reports on Marseille for La Provence, suggested he comprehended the frustrations that Nwaneri has encountered after initially impressing his new colleagues. "They were blown away by his performance against Lens," he said.
"Afterwards, the crisis hit everyone and Nwaneri can no longer showcase his footballing ability or talent. A real shame.
"I think he can improve his decision-making: knowing when to pass or attempt a dribble and not getting stuck in a pre-prepared pattern. He also needs to become mentally stronger. In Marseille, he's certainly got what he needs."
Next up for Nwaneri and Marseille is a French Cup quarter-final against Toulouse on Wednesday. They then face the same opponents again in Ligue 1 action on Saturday, March 7.
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