OM was held to a draw by Reims in the closing match of the second day of Ligue 1 (2-2). Here are the highlights and lowlights from this encounter.
HIGHLIGHTS
Merlin All-Around
Aligned in midfield against Brest, Quentin Merlin made a very noticeable return to the left side of the Marseille defense. The former Nantes player, very active, consistently made incursions down his flank. He was active and effective. A decisive passer on Harit’s opening goal, he was also responsible for the handball foul by Diouf leading to Greenwood’s equalizer at the end of the match, on which OM salvaged a point against Reims on Sunday night (2-2). Moreover, he was rarely caught out defensively.
Also readLigue 1: in De Zerbi’s first match at the Vélodrome, OM snatches a draw after a lively game against Reims
Fofana’s Gem
The highlight of the match. Perhaps even of this second day of Ligue 1. Following the equalizer from Akieme, Reims took the lead, thanks to a sublime solo goal from Yaya Fofana. A little gem. Served on the left wing, the Reims midfielder easily got past Murillo and Balerdi, before beating a Rulli completely abandoned by his defense during this play. The 20-year-old player will long remember his first start in Ligue 1.
Also readLigue 1: Fofana’s showcase, Greenwood’s opportunism, the goals of Marseille-Reims in video
Greenwood in the Good Deals
After a brilliant debut against Brest (1-5), Mason Greenwood did not shine as much, but he stood out. The former Manchester United player, still aligned on the right flank, gained momentum throughout the first half. He could have turned into a provider if Wahi had not lost his duel with Diouf before the break. Less influential in the second half, he nevertheless avoided the worst for OM by opportunistically equalizing at the end of the match. His third goal in just two appearances in the Marseille jersey.
Mason Greenwood awakened the Vélodrome towards the end of the match. William Cannarella / PANORAMIC
LOWLIGHTS
The Huge Drop of OM
Victory seemed to be at hand, given the state of play in the first half. But against all expectations, OM completely lost the plot upon returning from the locker room. A total and unexpected collapse. Overwhelmed by the Reims resurgence, the Phocaeans suffered tremendously during a large part of the second half. Unable to hold the ball, and much too fragile defensively. Trailing and being battered, Roberto De Zerbi’s men ultimately avoided the worst by equalizing late in the match, but the Marseille supporters were expecting a different scenario for the first match at the Vélodrome this season.
Also readLigue 1: relive the spectacular draw between Marseille and Reims
Wahi’s Nightmarish First at the Vélodrome
A rough evening for Elye Wahi. The Marseille forward, expected to be the successor to Aubameyang upfront, could hardly have done worse for his first appearance in front of his new fans. While he did not lack effort in the game, the player recruited from Lens showed a huge wastefulness in finishing, missing several opportunities in the first half. Notably losing a duel against Diouf, and especially two poorly executed chances in front of an almost empty goal. Frustrated by his repeated failures, he was the first Marseille player to be substituted in the second half, under the boos of a disappointed Vélodrome. His lack of efficiency hurt OM significantly, which could have gone into halftime with a more substantial lead.