It was a game full of endeavour for Marseille – but they rued missed chances as they lost 1-0 to a patient but potent Lens side as the Olympians lose their third game in a row in Ligue 1. David Pereira Da Costa’s 30-yard strike took a deflection off OM defender Leornado Balerdi to put the Sang & Or in front late on in the second half after a first half of Marseille domination.
MARSEILLE (0)
Lopez, 6
Mbemba, 5
Balerdi, 5
Kolasinac, 4
Clauss, 6 – The story of Marseille’s game can be told in Jonathan Clauss’s performance : a bright opening period full of promising chances but a lack of killer instinct to really pull the game into OM’s favour. He will be disappointed not to have scored, notably a close range one-on-one with Lens keeper Brice Samba which ended up whispering against the post.
Rongier, 5
Veretout,5
Tavares, 6 – Along with Clauss, Nuno Tavares looked impressive in the first half down the left hand side and was the focal point of many attacks for the home side with his powerful athleticism in his vertical runs. However, as Lens gained control in midfield late on into the second half the Portuguese wing-back faded from the game.
Guendouzi, 5 – Matéo Guendouzi was energetic as ever, but couldn’t deal with Lens’ midfield dominance in the second half. He almost seemed to drown in the sea of red and yellow shirts which overloaded the middle of the park in the latter stages of the game in the build up to the away side’s goal.
Harit, 5
Sánchez, 5 – Not for a fault of effort or desire on the part of the Chilean, he couldn’t find the back of the net despite several chances created. His battle with Lens’ Kevin Danso was a compelling watch, but one which the Austrian defender ultimately came out on top.
Others: Papa Gueye 5 , Payet 5, Dieng, 4
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RC LENS ( 1 – Da Costa)
Samba, 8 – Brice Samba is only second to Gianluigi Donarumma with the fewest goals conceded in Ligue 1 this season – and the former Nottingham Forest man showed his worth again tonight. Time after time he was imperious in his shot-topping – as well as commanding his own box and being physical in collecting high balls. He made the difference tonight for Lens.
Medina, 5
Danso, 6 – It was a battle with Alexis Sánchez which could have either single-handedly ruined or made the Austrian defender’s night. Luckily for his side, he came out on top against the Chilean in the second half after a difficult first period.
Haïdara, 5
Machado, 5
Fofana, 7 – Whilst he was quiet in the first half, Fofana came into life in the second period with his driving runs from midfield setting the tempo for a side that had to be patient in the game. Bolstered by Franck Haise’s wise substitutions, the key man for Lens was part of a midfield which dominated a large section of the second half, and had to deal with a bullish Marseille press in the first. Impressive once again for the Sang & Or.
Abdul Samed, 7
Onana, 5
Frankowski, 5
Openda, 6
Sotoca, 7 – Florian Sotoca does so much more for Lens that just score goals – he was a creative focal point this evening which at times released a lot of the pressure that OM were putting on. However, in the second half was when this outlet was more potent and dangerous with the added impetuous set by a vibrant Seko Fofana in midfield along with the clear frustration of the home fans. He didn’t score – but he offered so much more.
Others: Da Costa 7 – Was part of a vital switch in midfield which started to turn the game in Lens’ favour. His goal was fortuitous to say the least – but it was somewhat deserved after a brave and energetic performance in attack.
Saïd 5, Boura, 5
GFFN | George Boxall