French media stunned by 'new Didier Drogba' as ex-Arsenal star steals headlines - The Mirror

Marseille beat Newcastle 2-1 in the Champions League with one former Premier League star earning praise

Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stole the headlines after scoring twice and drawing comparisons to Didier Drogba in Marseille's 2-1 victory over Newcastle in the Champions League.

Marseille hosted the Magpies at the Stade Velodrome on Tuesday evening and endured a difficult start as Harvey Barnes gave the visitors a 1-0 lead inside six minutes. But Aubameyang struck twice in quick succession after the break to secure a 2-1 win and earned widespread acclaim from the French media.

Ex-Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood also played a key role in the Ligue 1 side's second-half fightback, and Le Parisien observed that he "brilliantly found" Aubameyang in the first 45 minutes, though the team couldn't convert that dominance into goals.

Get Football France awarded the ex-United player a 5/10 rating, but Aubameyang earned 7/10 for his display. Le Figaro highlighted that Greenwood provided some "perfect crosses" but suggested the 24-year-old still needs time before becoming the club's main attraction.

Veteran forward Aubameyang, however, drew parallels with former Chelsea legend Drogba, with Le Parisien declaring he "stole the show."

In their match analysis, the French publication said: "He and Drogba have followed different paths, but share a common thread: they both knew how to ignite the Vélodrome.

"They are those great African strikers who carry the city, who instinctively understand what this jersey represents, this raw fervor, this simple and magnificent injunction: to go towards the goal, always.

"Like Drogba in his day, Aubameyang is now one of the providers. In a cauldron of a stadium, he scored more than just a brace: he perpetuated the tradition, he honoured the motto, he held Marseille close to his heart. Straight to the point. Always."

French publication Le Figaro were similarly effusive in their praise of the former Arsenal striker, as they added: "More than 20 years after the OM-Newcastle match in 2004, people in Marseille are still talking about Didier Drogba's exploits in that game.

"That might not be the case for Aubameyang. But his performance on Tuesday was still invaluable."

Marseille weren't the only side to triumph over English opposition on Tuesday evening, with Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen claiming a memorable 2-0 victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Barcelona proved the exception amongst European clubs facing Premier League sides, suffering a harsh 3-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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