OM finally masters at home, Maupay and Rulli still decisive, the Monegasque oddballs… Our tops and flops after Marseille’s victory over the Rocher club, Sunday (2-1).
TOPS
OM finally wins at the Vélodrome
If we only had to remember one thing, it was certainly the result and this liberating victory for OM, against Monaco (2-1). The Marseillais have until now been cursed at home. With a victory in five games and five small points taken in their garden, they were penultimate in L1 at home. Only the Angevins did worse (4 pts). Tired of missteps at home, Marseille supporters sent the message to their players during the warm-up: “No more fear of the Vélodrome, tonight it’s 3 points!” could be read on a banner in the stands. Message received. A success which also allows Roberto De Zerbi’s players to take second place.
CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP
Rulli (again) decisive
He is one of the men at the start of the season at OM, if not the first. Geronimo Rulli once again delivered a great performance in his goals. Watchful of the first error of his partners, the Argentinian international distinguished himself by winning his face-to-face with Ben Seghir. With a belly save, he left his team 0-0 (4′). Rather calm throughout the first act, he could do nothing about Golovin’s goal (41′). Returning from the locker room, in the middle of a storm, the former MHSC goalkeeper reassured his defense with several decisive outings (56′, 60′ and 80′).
Maupay wins to like
“It would be a lie to say that I am happy to be on the bench”revealed Neal Maupay before the match, on Canal+. Let him rest assured: he won’t have to sit there very often anymore. The former Brentford center forward took advantage of the slump of his competitor Elye Wahi to invite himself into the 11. For several meetings, the player trained in Nice has been decisive. Scorer in the success against Nantes, he turned into a double passer against Lens and did it again against Monaco. Without making any noise, in his classic playing pattern, Maupay weighed on the defense and took advantage of opposing errors. It was due to poor communication between Singo and Salisu that the OM center forward cleverly placed his head to serve Luis Henrique (53′).
FLOPS
Monaco weighed down by its mistakes
Monaco has long lived up to its status as the best defense in the championship on Sunday. Before breaking down. On a blocked cross from Ulisses Garcia, Singo and Salisu did not understand each other. When the ball fell, the two players did not communicate and thus disturbed their goalkeeper, Maroslaw Majecki. An error which benefited Luis Henrique (56′). Quickly back on track, the Principality club regained its solidity at the back before making another mistake. This one more unfortunate, on a cross from Murillo, Mawissa let his arm drag in the area. Unforgivable, indisputable penalty converted by Greenwood at the end of the match (89′). Note that it is now PSG which has the best defense in Ligue 1, ahead of Monaco (11 goals conceded against 12).
Failure of 9
Like PSG, Monaco suffers from the absence of a finisher. Folarin Balogun, injured on October 5 against Rennes, is gradually regaining his bearings. Author of three goals at the start of the season then injured in the shoulder, the former Rémois had difficulty being replaced. Breel Embolo lacking confidence and George Ilenikhena too inconsistent could not make us forget the American. Recently back and already a starter, the lack of rhythm prevents him from playing all the matches. If until now Monaco was helped by Ben Seghir, Akliouche, Golovin, Minamino, when they are less good, the Rocher club pays the consequences.
