Tops
Sold out this evening despite the advanced time of the meeting (6:45 p.m.), what’s more on a Thursday evening, the Marseille venue fully played its role to push the Olympians, held by Brighton (2-2). Unsurprisingly, the 63,000 Marseille supporters were present throughout the game, displaying lovely tifos before kick-off and pushing until the last second. OM’s sporting crisis has not dampened popular fervor in Marseille, which is very good news for new technician Gennaro Gattuso, who is in the midst of a seduction mission.
Starting at number 10 behind Aubameyang, the Moroccan was Marseille’s best offensive player. Always very lively and technically correct, the former Nantais player offers the decisive pass on the break goal scored by Veretout. In the second half, he dropped his intensity a little like his team. Harit could even have forced the expulsion of Lamptey who almost broke his ankle. But the Ghanaian passed between the drops… before obtaining the equalizing penalty for Brighton.
In the last three matches, OM had conceded 10 goals against Ajax, PSG then Monaco. Last minute leg withdrawal this evening, Balerdi was associated with Mbemba to deliver a rather convincing collective performance despite the draw conceded at the end of the game. The Argentinian showed himself to be imperial in the duels, just like the Congolese who even turned into a surface fox on the opening score (19th). Rarely found wanting, the two central Olympians protected Pau Lopez who also will not have much to reproach himself for. His numerous saves now have Marseille afloat, until this unfortunate penalty conceded by Clauss.
Flops
Very good in the first period and a scorer, the French midfielder unfortunately left his partners in the 50th minute due to a thigh strain. His replacement, Azzedine Ounahi, suffered from the comparison in defensive impact. In the absence of Kondogbia, Gennaro Gattuso would have done without this glitch which disrupted his plans. And unbalanced OM a little more, suffering physically in the second half.
Tottenham, Panathinaikos and now Brighton, the Vélodrome stadium is starting to get used to these unfortunate and terribly frustrating scenarios. Rather dominating for 60 minutes, the Phocaeans once again broke down at the end of the match, letting slip two points which could be worth a lot. Mental or physical problem? Gattuso will perhaps provide some answers. Regardless, OM supporters once again experienced an emotional lift, in a bad way. During the 3rd day against AEK Athens, it will be necessary to convince 90 minutes to envisage a European spring.
