2023-09-22 00:05:10
The double for Aubameyang, the air gap for Mbemba… REUTERS / PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW / Proshots / Panoramic / Stanley Gontha
OM began their Europa League journey with a draw at Ajax Amsterdam (3-3). Find the Tops and Flops of this match full of twists and turns.
TOPS
Aubameyang’s double
Mute in Ligue 1 but prolific on the continental scene. Still looking for his first goal in Ligue 1, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang regained his efficiency when OM entered the competition in this C3. The Gabonese, aligned at the base of the Marseille 4-3-3, poorly negotiated his first chances, before finding the fault with two right-handed shots into the area (38th, 78th). An oh-so-precious double, especially in the current context. The 34-year-old had called for sacred unity before the match, he clearly responded on the pitch.
The right wing of OM
Amine Harit pulled out all the stops. The Moroccan international, starting at right winger, quickly tried to energize the Marseille attack. His qualities of percussion and ball elimination hurt Ajax. Just like his association with Jonathan Clauss. Scorer after a lot of work from his friend (23rd), the Marseille full-back completely restarted his team and gradually became comfortable in the right lane. Unleashed and untenable at the end of the first period, he could have been credited with a decisive pass if Ounahi had not missed the simplest one (45th + 3).
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Borges untenable
On the Ajax side, Carlos Borges particularly stood out. Starting on the right wing, the 19-year-old quickly made the Marseille defense suffer, particularly Lodi. Author of the opener, with a goal scored with great composure (9th), he then became a decisive passer for Taylor at the start of the second half (52nd). Stirring until the end. Fortunately for OM, Bergwijn and Brobbey were not in the same mood within the local attack.
FLOPS
Mbemba is not there
Unrecognizable. Excellent last season, Chancel Mbemba is struggling to confirm at the start of the season. And this Thursday, the Congolese defender hit rock bottom. Associated with Gigot in the central hinge, he started his match very badly by missing his intervention on a long clearance from the opposing goalkeeper. Lobbed by the ball and easily passed by Borges, scorer against Lopez (9th). Weighed down by this error, the former Porto player suffered from numerous Dutch offensives. Also poorly placed on Ajax’s third goal at the start of the second half.
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Sutalo, symbol of Ajax’s mistakes
OM faced another sick team. Only twelfth in its championship, with four small points acquired in four matches, Ajax displayed too much defensive feverishness during this match. The local rearguard, easily put out of position, offered several opportunities on the plateau to the Marseillais. Like Josip Sutalo’s huge mistake at the origin of Aubameyang’s first (19th). Constantly late, the Croatian defender suffered throughout the match.
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