TOPS
Author of a generally mixed season despite the RCL ranking, Seko Fofana ends this 2022/23 financial year well and delivered a great performance during this shock. The Lensois captain increased in power in the midfield where his power did damage. His goal before the break, after a first attempt on the post, tipped the game. Authors of several breakthroughs in the second half, he finished the meeting on the kneecaps.
Like his team, he seems unstoppable in recent weeks. Loïs Openda, author of three goals in the last two days, did it again by doubling the lead for his team, with a fine header at the far post. His nineteenth achievement of the season. Efficient, the Belgian international also distinguished himself by his movements on the front line of the attack and his combativeness against the Marseille defenders who tried, somehow, to prevent him from gaining speed. His ability to get free kicks relieved the RCL on several occasions in this match.
This is clearly one of the turning points of this clash. A few minutes after the opener, OM had a great chance to equalize just before the break. But Brice Samba pulled out all the stops by performing a superb parry, with a very firm hand, to fend off Veretout’s low shot. An intervention as spectacular as decisive. Always so sure on foot and in the air, the RCL goalkeeper has nothing to be ashamed of on Payet’s goal at the end of the match.
FLOPS
Long essential in the Marseille defense, Chancel Mbemba is no longer so indisputable in the mind of Igor Tudor in recent weeks. The Congolese international, established for this shock, did not really meet expectations. Much too rough, with only 59% of successful passes and fifteen lost balls. He did not have his usual impact in the area and was surprised by Openda behind his back on the second goal from Lens.
As a symbol of the Marseille evening. Back on his left wing after starting OM’s last matches on the bench, Nuno Tavares started the game well, before dropping off as the minutes went by. The Portuguese piston missed its second period. Overtaken by Frankowski on the action of the Openda goal, he no longer weighed enough in his lane and very badly negotiated OM’s last chance, sending a half-volley into the stands. The player on loan from Arsenal received yet another avoidable yellow card after an altercation with Sotoca.
