- 2 hours ago
Arsenal's Marquinhos makes dream loan debut at Norwich
Robin Bairner
- 25 Feb 2023 17:10 GMT
- 3 min read
Up-and-coming Arsenal star Marquinhos made a successful debut on loan at Norwich by playing a match-deciding role in their Championship fixture against Cardiff City.
The 19-year-old made five appearances for Arsenal’s first team prior to the World Cup, even making his Premier League debut briefly as he came off the bench against Brentford.
It became evident his first-team chances would be slim in the second part of the campaign, though, with the youngster featuring only in an FA Cup victory against Oxford after Qatar 2022.
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Having proven too strong for U21 team, scoring four times in five Premier League 2 fixtures for the Gunners, Marquinhos was moved on to Norwich to gain experience.
And after twice appearing for the Canaries on the bench over the course of the last month, the Brazilian was given his chance to shine against lowly Cardiff on Saturday.
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GOOOAAALLLL!!!
Hernandez ➡️ Marquinhos
That’s a goal and assist for the 19-year old Brazilian on his debut! 🔥🇧🇷#ncfc pic.twitter.com/91od2jmb1S— Alex NCFC (@norwichcityhq) February 25, 2023
Arsenal loan watch: How is Marquinhos playing at Norwich?
It was an opportunity that he grasped with both hands as he created the opening goal in a 2-0 victory before netting the second.
His assist was an unspectacular one for Gabriel Sala, with a short square passing opening up a shooting chance that his colleague took from range.
Four minutes later, Marquinhos had his first senior goal in English football. He surged in from his position out on the right wing to convert a cross delivered by Onel Hernandez. It was a composed finished from the teenager, who sent a shot back across visiting goalkeeper Ryan Allsop and into the net.
It was a strong beginning to life at Carrow Road with the Canaries still aiming to push for a playoff spot with 12 matches left in the regular season. David Wagner’s side are just outside of the top six but will hope Marquinhos can provide the X-factor they require to leapfrog one of the sides immediately above them.
