Despite a numerical superiority during almost the entire meeting, Olympique de Marseille had to settle for a draw against FC Nantes, this Friday evening, at the start of the 4th day of Ligue 1 (1-1).
The poster looked good. Although Nantes and Marseille have not been swimming in the same waters for a long time, these two strongholds of French football often offer a pleasant spectacle. There was electricity in the air this Friday evening at La Beaujoire. Weakened by a failed start to the season, Pierre Aristouy still had an answer to give to reassure his management.
In the ranks of Marseille, the balance sheet for this start to the season remains honourable. With seven points at kick-off, Marcelino’s side were in second place, ahead of AS Monaco on goal difference. A victory – or even a simple draw – therefore allowed OM to settle temporarily in the leader’s chair. The carrot was beautiful. And if they brought back a point from this trip, the Marseillais still offered quite sluggish content.
OM clueless despite an ideal scenario
The scenario at the start of the match was however ideal for OM. After a strike from Vitinha pushed back by Descamps, the light came again from Sarr, who unblocked the situation on an opportunistic recovery (0-1, 4th). The Senegalese international then caused the expulsion of Meupiyou Menadjou, excluded for a fault in the position of last defender (9th).
It then remained to take the break, but the Marseillais did not succeed. On the other hand, Marcelino’s team has clearly eased off, entering a management phase bordering on ease. The Canaries did not ask for so much. On a powerful shot from Mohamed triggered before the break, the locals resurfaced at the worst time for OM (1-1, 39th).
The second act was fairly dull, with Marseille superiorly in possession of the ball, but very few changes of pace. Nantes remained threatening on the counter, but the score did not change. This point looks like a small victory for the Canaries. Too borrowed, this OM team, for its part, is starting to trip over the carpet. A bland face that the results will not always be able to camouflage. Marseille will have to find momentum in the game.
