French media deliver Ethan Nwaneri verdict as he links up with ex-Arsenal man for crucial role

The on-loan Arsenal star caused a stir with his second half performance against Lyon on Sunday

Ethan Nwaneri, the Arsenal youngster on loan at Marseille, has earned rave reviews from the French media for his contribution to Marseille's 3-2 win over Lyon on Sunday. The 18-year-old came on in the second half of the contest, having started the match on the bench.

He then provided the assist for former Gunners star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who hammered home the winner in the 91st minute.

Lyon had taken the lead early on thanks to Corentin Tolisso. Igor Paixao's strike then thrust Marseille back in the tie in the second half before Remi Himbert restored Lyon's advantage.

Aubameyang levelled the terms with his first goal of the game in the 81st minute before stealing all three points for Marseille just ten minutes later. Nwaneri has found himself on the periphery in recent weeks following a tricky spell in France.

Despite encountering various challenges since moving to the club in January, including a change of manager, Nwaneri has shown flashes of his potential - and none more so than against Lyon.

According to the French press, Nwaneri's Marseille victory was down to the Arsenal star's cross and its pinpoint accuracy.

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 rating for 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."

L'Equipe said that Nwaneri delivered an “impeccable cross” for Aubameyang’s winning goal. The French publication also waxed lyrical about the decisive assist.

Nwaneri completed his switch to Marseille during the January transfer window. He scored on his debut against Lens just a day later.

The 18-year-old struck after just 13 minutes in a 3-1 victory for his new side. This led many fans to expect the Arsenal prospect would continue to flourish under manager Roberto De Zerbi - only for the Italian coach to depart the club following a 5-0 hammering by PSG in early February.

While he played in under all three games under De Zerbi, Nwaneri remained on the bench throughout the first match under new manager Habib Beye.

Beye then introduced him for 20 minutes in the next game, a defeat to Brest. However, his second-half showing against Lyon may have given his new coach food for thought.

Fabrice Lamperti, who covers Marseille for La Provence, claimed he understood the frustrations that Nwaneri has faced after initially impressing his new team-mates.

"They were blown away by his performance against Lens," he told football.london. "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."

Up next 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.