AliousPierre Ekwah, currently on loan from Sunderland to St Etienne, responded in emphatic fashion to recent harsh criticism from the French media by scoring his first goal for the club.
The midfielder, who left Sunderland for a temporary stint in Ligue 1, has been battling relegation struggles with his new team. Despite making 19 league appearances and playing a key role in central midfield, his performances have come under scrutiny. With St Etienne’s January acquisition of Maxime Bernauer from Dinamo Zagreb—a versatile defender capable of slotting into a defensive midfield role—some pundits suggested Ekwah should be dropped.
Journalist Laurent Hess publicly questioned Ekwah’s place in the starting lineup, citing a lack of consistency and pace in his play. He argued that Bernauer could be a more effective option in defensive midfield, bringing better ball recovery and physical presence.
However, Ekwah responded to his doubters in style, netting a crucial goal in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Angers. His performance not only silenced critics but also reinforced his importance to the team.
Meanwhile, reports suggest Sunderland have no intention of recalling Ekwah for next season. Despite becoming a regular at St Etienne, the Black Cats reportedly do not view the 23-year-old as part of their long-term plans, regardless of whether they secure Premier League promotion. With a £6 million option for St Etienne to make his move permanent, the midfielder’s future appears to be heading away from the Stadium of Light.
Alious
