Ethan Nwaneri Shines On Marseille Debut In Lively Win Over Lens

Marseille fans had plenty to cheer about on Saturday night as the club delivered a statement victory, defeating Lens 3-1 at a buzzing Stade Velodrome and reigniting their ambitions in the Ligue 1 title race. But the real headline act? Eighteen-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who needed just 13 minutes on his debut to find the net and justify the faith shown in him by manager Roberto De Zerbi.

The English midfielder arrived in southern France only a day earlier, joining Marseille on loan from Premier League leaders Arsenal. With Marseille seeking a spark to close the gap on the league’s pacesetters, De Zerbi wasted no time, thrusting the teenager straight into the starting XI. That decision paid off handsomely.

Amine Gouiri got the party started early, scoring in the third minute after a slick exchange with Brazilian teammate Igor Paixão. The home crowd barely had time to settle before Nwaneri made his mark. Collecting the ball in midfield, he drifted past a defender, cut inside onto his favored left foot, and curled a pinpoint shot from just outside the penalty arc into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted. It was a finish of real quality—one that showcased why both Arsenal and Marseille rate him so highly.

“Talented players need to have minutes and Ethan in this case wasn’t having enough minutes. The last thing I want to do is cut his development because he is such a talent,” Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said earlier in the week, explaining the rationale behind the move. Arteta’s words rang true as Nwaneri slotted seamlessly into Marseille’s free-flowing attack, which leads Ligue 1 with 44 goals in 19 games. The teenager, who became the youngest player in Premier League history at 15 years and 181 days back in 2022, looked right at home on the big stage.

Nwaneri’s rapid adaptation comes after a challenging spell at Arsenal this season. With the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze for hefty fees, first-team opportunities were limited for the England U21 international. Despite signing a new contract with the Gunners until 2030 last summer, he managed only 12 appearances—mostly off the bench. Arsenal reportedly hesitated to let him leave, but the return of several injured players softened their stance. West Ham, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Bournemouth, and even Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund all showed interest, but Arsenal ultimately chose Marseille, in part due to De Zerbi’s reputation for developing young talent.

The loan deal itself is notable—there’s no option to buy, and Marseille are reportedly paying a fee that could reach £2 million depending on Nwaneri’s appearances and performances. The expectation is clear: he’ll return to Arsenal a more seasoned, confident player, ready to compete for a regular spot in Arteta’s squad.

Back to the action: after Nwaneri’s goal, Marseille continued to press. Gouiri added his second of the night in the 75th minute, latching onto a first-time cross from United States winger Tim Weah. It was a classic team goal, emblematic of De Zerbi’s attacking philosophy. Lens, who entered the match on a 10-game winning streak and aiming to reclaim top spot from Paris Saint-Germain, looked shell-shocked. Their only consolation came late, as Rayan Fofana finished neatly to deny Marseille a clean sheet. France winger Florian Thauvin, once a hero in Marseille colors, was largely ineffective against his former club.

The win carried real implications for the Ligue 1 table. Marseille remain in third but close the gap to second-placed Lens to just five points, with league leaders PSG seven points ahead. The timing couldn’t be better: Marseille’s next match is a mouthwatering clash against PSG at Parc des Princes on February 8—a fixture that could further shake up the title race.

Nwaneri’s performance drew plaudits from fans and pundits alike. “He’s a special player. We saw that at Arsenal, and now he’s showing it in France,” said former Premier League midfielder Joe Cole on French television. “To come in, on loan, in a high-pressure game, and play with that kind of confidence—that’s not something you see every day.”

For Marseille, the result was more than just three points. It snapped Lens’ remarkable winning run in all competitions and reasserted the club’s credentials as a genuine contender. The chemistry in attack, the resilience at the back, and the injection of youthful energy from Nwaneri have fans dreaming again of silverware.

Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Monaco managed a rare clean sheet in a goalless draw at Le Havre, though their defensive woes continued as both Wout Faes and Eric Dier limped off with injuries. The club’s ultras have voiced frustration over recent results and transfer policy, but at least the side showed improved discipline. Lorient, meanwhile, made it two wins in a row with a 2-0 victory at Rennes, as Jean-Victor Makengo and Pablo Pagis found the net in the Brittany derby. Paris Saint-Germain, not to be outdone, needed a late goal to edge past struggling Auxerre 1-0 on Friday night.

For Nwaneri, Saturday’s debut was a dream come true—and perhaps a glimpse of what’s to come for both Marseille and Arsenal. He lasted 58 minutes before being replaced by Mason Greenwood, but the impact was already made. With Marseille’s attack firing and the title race heating up, the teenager’s arrival could hardly have been better timed.

As the dust settles on a memorable night at Stade Velodrome, all eyes turn to that looming showdown with PSG. Can Marseille ride this momentum and mount a serious challenge? If Nwaneri’s debut is any indication, the rest of the season just got a whole lot more interesting.