French media in agreement on Ethan Nwaneri after early Marseille exit and fume | Football | Sport
Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri is currently on loan at Marseille (Image: Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri was named in the starting XI as Marseille demolished Rennes 3-0 in their French Cup last-16 encounter. However, the 18-year-old star on loan from Arsenal was withdrawn at the interval following a dangerous challenge that provoked fury. The youngest-ever Premier League player for the Gunners was sent on loan by Mikel Arteta last month to gain additional experience in first-team football.
Marseille landed Nwaneri until the end of the season and he made an instant impression by finding the net on his debut against Lens. Nwaneri was handed another opportunity by Roberto De Zerbi against Rennes, whose backline was commanded by incoming Liverpool star Jeremy Jacquet.
Despite Marseille securing the fixture 3-0, the young attacker’s challenge after merely 22 minutes generated controversy.
He arrived late on Rennes’ Glen Kamara and connected with his ankle with substantial force.
Kamara required substitution through injury and Rennes’ boss Habib Beye maintains officials expressed regret after the final whistle, accepting that Nwaneri ought to have been sent off. De Zerbi swiftly withdrew Nwaneri at the break and the French media have been scathing in their assessment of the Arsenal loanee’s tackle.
Eurosport France described Kamara’s injury as “horrific”, indicating that the 3-0 cup encounter might have unfolded very differently for Marseille had the fortunate Nwaneri been given a red card. The outlet stated: “Everything could have changed very quickly for Marseille after Nwaneri’s foul on Kamara. It was a violent tackle with the Englishman’s foot on the Finn’s ankle.”
However, many believe Nwaneri was spared because VAR was not used at this stage of the French Cup. Eurosport France added: “This foul could have warranted a red card.
“Beye made no secret of his anger towards the officiating crew. The 48-year-old manager demanded a red card for the Englishman. However, VAR is not yet in use at the Round of 16 stage of the competition.”
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Nwaneri’s tackle on Kamara (Image: beIN SPORTS)
Local newspaper La Provence was critical of Nwaneri following the final whistle, suggesting that whilst he showed some early attacking potential, his challenge merited a dismissal.
The publication awarded him a 4/10 rating for his first-half display and commented: “He has talent and fire in his legs, but he’s too inconsistent. Despite a handful of impressive bursts of speed, he wasn’t in the game.
“He completely lost it when he took out Kamara with a very heavy tackle on the ankle that deserved a red card. He only received a yellow card but was logically replaced at half-time.”
Similar to other publications, RMC Sport believed Nwaneri was fortunate to avoid punishment in the cup tie. The outlet suggests he would have been dismissed and potentially cost his team the match had VAR been operational.
During the live match commentary, RMC Sport declared: “Nwaneri’s made a huge mistake! What a challenge from the Marseille newcomer. He delivers a very harsh tackle on Kamara’s ankle. VAR isn’t in use for the round of 16 so the English midfielder gets away with it!”
In their post-match analysis, they noted: “Despite the yellow card, Nwaneri didn’t let up and made another slightly rough tackle a few minutes later. Although not sent off by the referee, the Englishman ultimately left the field at half-time.
“Fearing he would be sent off, as the referee may have realised his mistake during the break, De Zerbi opted to replace him with Bilal Nadir for the second half.”
However, RMC Sport did recognise Nwaneri’s offensive prowess during his short stint on the field, describing him as “a whirlwind of energy in attack.”
