Ethan Nwaneri did not have such a positive second appearance in Marseille colours as he disappointed in the team’s 2-2 draw with FC Paris.
It’s been a tough few days in Marseille after being eliminated from the Champions League in the final seconds, speculation over Roberto De Zerbi’s future, and then conceding two late goals at the Stade Jean Bouin.
Should Arsenal recall Ethan Nwaneri from his loan if Robert De Zerbi is sacked by Marseille?
The French side missed the chance to close the gap on the top two after throwing away a two-goal lead, with Paris FC scoring goals in the 82nd and 94th minutes.
For Nwaneri, it was a tough afternoon in the French capital, and the local media have been reacting to his second appearance for Les Phoceens.
Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri struggles vs FC Paris
The French media were less than impressed by Ethan Nwaneri’s poor performance against FC Paris as he was hauled off after 67 minutes.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood gave OM a 2-0 lead; however, the team threw it away in the final ten minutes.
After scoring on his Marseille debut, Nwaneri was unable to have a telling impact in just his second appearance for the French outfit.
Despite managing three shots, four key passes and 14 carries, the French media did not feel he contributed enough for De Zerbi’s team.
Foot Mercato gave him just a 4.5/10 and wrote: “After scoring against Lens on his debut for OM, the prodigy on loan from Arsenal was less prominent than in his first appearance. While not directly involved in his team’s goals, he provided useful link-up play and was technically sound.
“Nevertheless, he could have done more to shine and contribute more significantly to his team’s victory. Losing possession frequently, he failed to get any of his three shots on target on Saturday.”
Meanwhile, it was a 4.0 rating from Le Phoceen: “Highly anticipated, Ethan Nwaneri delivered a disappointing performance. Despite a few interesting switches of play, his overall activity and, above all, his technical precision were largely insufficient.
If Arsenal received a £70m bid for Ethan Nwaneri in the summer, would you sell him?
“Too many misplaced passes, questionable decisions in areas where he clearly had time and space, and a general impression of playing for himself rather than the team.
“He was expected to inject energy and drive the attack, but he never truly delivered. At his age, some leniency is possible, but his performance in this match was clearly inadequate.”
However, 90Min were slightly more lenient with a 6/10: “Quiet for the first half-hour, he gradually grew into the game, making several promising contributions before the break. He continued in the same vein in the second half.”
Arsenal should be relieved by Roberto De Zerbi’s press conference
Arsenal should be relieved by Roberto De Zerbi’s press conference, as the Italian seemed to suggest he was staying.
Following the late draw, De Zerbi told the media: “I take responsibility, but I’m not discouraged. I’m ready to play against Rennes in ten minutes if necessary.
“I can’t tell you everything, it’s not out of disrespect, but some things stay between us. Again, don’t worry about me, I come from the bottom.”
De Zerbi was key behind Nwaneri’s loan move; therefore, it would have been a big blow had he left before really working with the teenager.
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