Ligue 1, Round 11, 04/11/23
Olympique de Marseille, who were playing Ligue 1 football for the first time in a fortnight after last weekend’s game against Olympique Lyonnais was abandoned, saw out an uninspiring goalless draw against Lille OSC.
Marseille were well rested having not played last weekend, and they began the game with intensity, however, it was the visitors who conjured the first chance of the encounter. Lille were effective in the press and having won the ball back, Yusuf Yazici tried his chance from range with Pau Lopez caught high having played a part in the build-up. However, the Turkish striker’s shot struck the bar.
Lille were generally the more creative in the first half with much of their good play coming through Edon Zhegrova, but Les Phocéens had a golden chance to go in front. Amine Harit should have done better after latching onto Jonathan Clauss’ cross, but free in front of goal, he could only volley wide from just seven yards out.
Zhegrova continued to pull the strings after the break. Angel Gomes was inches away from making contact with the Kosovan’s cross. Any touch would almost certainly have given Les Dogues the lead. Zhegrova did then pick out the Englishman with an incisive pass into the box, but Gomes’ shot was well blocked.
Gomes then stung the palms of Lopez with a long-range effort, but neither side did enough to break the deadlock. Lille are now unbeaten in seven games in all competitions.
Marseille player ratings
Pau Lopez – 4
Ronan Lodi – 4
Chancel Mbemba – 5
Samuel Gigot – 5
Jonathan Clauss – 5
Geoffrey Kondogbia – 7 – a bright spark in a disappointing Marseille display. The former France international has seen injury limit his chances since his summer arrival from Atletico Madrid, but he has slotted in nicely and adds some much-needed presence in OM’s midfield.
Valentin Rongier – 4
Jordan Veretout – 5
Amine Harit – 4 – the Moroccan international was bright early on but quickly fizzled and became frustrated, earning a needless yellow before seeing his influence over the game diminish.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 3 – too peripheral once again. Each passing game is further proof that Aubameyang’s best days are behind him.
Ismaïla Sarr – 5
Lille player ratings
Lucas Chevalier – 6
Ismaily – 5
Alexsandro – 6
Leny Yoro – 5
Tiago Santos – 5
Benjamin André – 5
Nabil Bentaleb – 6
Ivan Cavaleiro – 4
Angel Gomes – 6 – with Nabil Bentaleb’s entry into the team and Rémy Cabella’s lack of form, Gomes may see further opportunities in the No.10 role. His performance against Marseille neither strengthens nor weakens his case for more time in this position, but there is no denying that he has been more influential in a deeper role.
Edon Zhegrova – 8 – Stole the show down the right. Had the beating of his opposite number throughout and was a consistent source of attacking threat. Zhegrova has shown both style and substance so far this season but whilst this performance was not rewarded with a goal or assist, this was his best yet.
Yusuf Yazici – 5
