Marseille suffered a crushing 5-0 defeat to rivals Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, marking another setback for Arsenal loanee Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old winger started on the right flank but delivered a subpar first-half performance, leading to his substitution at halftime by head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Nwaneri’s Loan Move from Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta approved Nwaneri’s January loan to Marseille to provide the young talent with consistent first-team exposure. The teenager made an immediate impact on his Ligue 1 debut, scoring against Lens and signaling a bright start in southern France.
However, form dipped in subsequent matches. Nwaneri struggled against Paris FC, and in a cup game, he was withdrawn at the break after a heavy challenge. The PSG clash represented his lowest point yet.
Details of the PSG Humiliation
Marseille were completely outclassed by PSG, with Nwaneri unable to influence proceedings. French broadcasters highlighted his lack of precision during live coverage, noting Marseille’s struggles chasing the ball.
Upon his exit, commentators observed that the Englishman had a difficult half, allowing Mason Greenwood to shift to his favored position. The loss has intensified pressure on De Zerbi and dented Marseille’s Champions League aspirations.
French Media Criticism
Local outlet La Provence delivered a stinging review of Nwaneri’s fourth appearance for the club. They pointed out his inability to match debut standards, stating: “Since his debut, which culminated in a goal against Lens, the Englishman has been unable to replicate that performance. This match, experienced as a starter, seemed far too big for his 18 years. Replaced by Igor Paixao at the start of the second half, he tried to motivate his team-mates. But this was in a way that was too haphazard and disorganised.”
La Provence also questioned the value of young imports unfamiliar with Marseille’s legacy, adding: “What is the point of blaming players who know nothing, or almost nothing, of what OM represents and who we can already bet will either have left or be on the transfer market next summer.”
RMC Sport echoed the sentiment, describing Nwaneri as “not technically precise enough.” Post-substitution, they remarked on his struggles before shifting focus to team-wide issues.
Eurosport France took a broader view, labeling the result a “total humiliation” and criticizing De Zerbi’s squad as “disoriented, disorganised, completely lost.” They speculated this could signal a turning point, potentially ending the Italian coach’s tenure amid unmet expectations from summer signings.
