Olympique de Marseille navigated a turbulent week off the pitch to secure a resounding 5-2 victory against newly-promoted Paris FC at the Stade Vélodrome. The match, a spectacle of attacking prowess punctuated by defensive vulnerabilities, saw veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang net a brace, while Mason Greenwood, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and youngster Robinio Vaz also found the back of the net. The win provided a much-needed respite for Marseille, who were embroiled in controversy following a dressing room altercation between Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe after their opening round defeat to Rennes. The incident led to Rabiot being placed on the transfer list and cast a shadow over the club’s preparations for their second league fixture. Despite the impressive scoreline, coach Roberto De Zerbi acknowledged the impact of the off-field drama, suggesting the team’s performance wasn’t a true reflection of their capabilities. He also hinted at the possibility of Rabiot’s reinstatement, expressing his willingness to reconcile with the midfielder.
Aubameyang, returning for a second stint at the club after a season in Saudi Arabia, proved instrumental in Marseille’s victory. He earned an early penalty, which Greenwood expertly converted, before doubling Marseille’s lead with a close-range finish from a corner. However, defensive frailties allowed Paris FC back into the game, with Ilan Kebbal and Moses Simon capitalizing on defensive lapses to level the score. The match swung back in Marseille’s favor in the second half, with Aubameyang completing his brace before Hojbjerg and Vaz added late goals to secure a comfortable margin of victory. While Greenwood missed a second penalty opportunity, the young forward played a key role in the attacking display, providing an assist for Aubameyang’s first goal and winning the late penalty that Vaz ultimately converted. The win served as a crucial morale booster for Marseille, allowing them to temporarily shift focus from the ongoing Rabiot saga and concentrate on their on-field performance.
The victory against Paris FC offered a glimpse of Marseille’s attacking potential, with Aubameyang, Greenwood, and Hojbjerg displaying their individual brilliance. However, the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Paris FC’s two goals highlight an area that De Zerbi will need to address as the season progresses. The reliance on individual brilliance, while effective in this match, may not be a sustainable strategy in the long run. The integration of younger players like Vaz and Nadir, who contributed significantly to the victory, also offers promise for the future. The challenge for De Zerbi will be to strike a balance between experience and youth, harnessing the attacking talent while solidifying the defensive structure. The upcoming transfer window will be crucial for Marseille, providing an opportunity to address squad imbalances and potentially bolster their defensive options.
Beyond the immediate result, the match against Paris FC served as a microcosm of the larger challenges facing Marseille. The off-field drama surrounding Rabiot’s future, coupled with the team’s inconsistent performance, underscores the need for stability and cohesion within the squad. De Zerbi’s willingness to reconcile with Rabiot suggests a pragmatic approach aimed at restoring harmony. However, the final decision regarding Rabiot’s future remains uncertain, with the club seemingly still considering a sale. The incident also highlights the importance of squad management and maintaining discipline within the dressing room. De Zerbi’s ability to navigate these challenges and create a positive team environment will be crucial to Marseille’s success this season.
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Lyon continued their strong start to the season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Metz. Following their opening day win against Lens, Lyon’s dominant performance against Metz further solidified their position as early contenders. Goals from Malick Fofana, Corentin Tolisso, and new signing Adam Karabec highlighted Lyon’s attacking prowess and ability to score from various sources. The win, coupled with their solid defensive display, suggests that Lyon have overcome the financial difficulties that plagued them during the summer and are poised for a successful campaign. Their ability to retain key players and make astute signings despite their financial constraints demonstrates the club’s resilience and ambition.
Nice also secured their first points of the season with a 3-1 home win against Auxerre. After a disappointing start, Nice bounced back with a determined performance, overcoming an early setback to secure the victory. Jeremie Boga’s opening goal was cancelled out by Lassine Sinayoko, but an own goal from Clement Akpa and a late strike from Terem Moffi sealed the win for Nice. The sending-off of Auxerre goalkeeper Donovan Leon in the first half proved to be a turning point in the match, giving Nice a numerical advantage that they capitalized on effectively. The win will provide a much-needed confidence boost for Nice as they look to climb the table and challenge for a European spot.
