TOPS
Back in the Marseille starting lineup to the detriment of Azzedine Ounahi, the Central African international held down the house during OM’s success against Clermont (2-1) this Sunday during the 16th day of Ligue 1. Own technically, the former Monegasque was especially very valuable in recovery, allowing Jordan Veretout to project himself forward. In the second half, at the heart of the short-lived Clermont revival, he filled the gaps to avoid unpleasant surprises. A very clean copy.
As against Lyon (3-0) for the opener, Michael Murillo and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang broke the opposing barrier in the first period. With the Gabonese striker again passing towards the Panamanian piston, decidedly skilful in front of goal. With a brilliant one-touch serve, “PEA” delighted the replacement for Jonathan Clauss, suspended this Sunday. The Marseille full-back, once again decisive, also had a solid match defensively, confirming his status of satisfaction at mid-season.
Preferred over Vitinha alongside Aubameyang, the Senegalese striker (finally) shone with his technical ease and mobility in the first half. Elusive, he would have deserved his goal but Clermont goalkeeper Mory Diaw and the right post opposed it. Directly involved in Amine Harit’s goal, Ndiaye knew he was expected and rather convinced in a central support role. Until his exit at the hour mark, for the benefit of his compatriot Ismaïla Sarr, much more messy and borrowed.
FLOPS
Fifteen shots during the first 45 minutes, only three after the break but above all two very different faces offered by OM to their audience at the Vélodrome. Ultra-dominant at the start of the game, Gattuso’s players failed to score 3-0 and inexplicably fell asleep after returning from the locker room. Like the last victory obtained in Lorient (4-2), last Sunday, at the end of a tasteless second act. If the three points fall into the bag, the series of clean sheets at home has come to an end because of Jim Allevinah, author of the first opposing goal in Marseille for 677 minutes (and Rémois Junya Ito during the first day, on August 12). The essentials are assured for the Phocaeans but there is no doubt that the reduction in collective power will not have pleased Gattuso, who is still looking for a solution to this recurring problem.
Certainly, the Clermontois will be able to rejoice at having reacted after a one-sided half-time in favor of the Marseillais. Incoming Jim Allevinah made a timid revolt by scoring on the hour mark but the momentum quickly died down. Pascal Gastien’s players will never have threatened Pau Lopez to equalize and endure a fifth match without success (three defeats, two draws). Things are getting serious in Auvergne since Clermont will end the weekend in the bottom position. And given recent performances, both defensively and in intentions, supporters have the right to be worried.
If Vitinha went to coal during his twenty minutes of play, he lost a lot of balls in the duel. Ismaïla Sarr and Azzedine Ounahi did not dispel doubts. The Senegalese, first entrant of the evening, ran in all directions without making the right choices. While the Moroccan midfielder seemed dilettante in recovery after missing the third goal in front of Diaw. It is true that the overall appearance of the Marseille team did not help the replacements to stand out, but they will have to raise their level soon. Perhaps next Wednesday on the Montpellier pitch, during the last day of the first leg in Ligue 1.
