Recap: Gouiri scores brace as 5-star OM thrash ASSE

Olympique de Marseille further consolidated their spot in second in the Ligue 1 McDonald's table after dominating at the Vélodrome against Saint-Étienne.

Olympique de Marseille further consolidated their spot in second in the Ligue 1 McDonald's table after dominating at the Vélodrome against a struggling Saint-Étienne outfit. Roberto De Zerbi made it three wins in a row in Ligue 1 Mcdonald's against a Sainté outfit that was swallowed up at packed Vélodrome on Saturday afternoon.

It was the hosts that started the brightest in the early stages of the game, starting with intensity and implementing OM's passing rhythm. Captain Leonardo Balerdi nodded the ball into the back of the net for what most of the Vélodrome thought was the opener, but the referee would consult VAR and end up ruling the goal out for too much contact on ASSE goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur. Les Phocéens would keep on generating chances to get in front. Mason Greenwood was denied at close range by Larsonneur, before Rabiot blasted over the bar from close range.

The breakthrough would come through one of OM's newest signings, Amine Gouiri. Having already registered three assists so far with Les Olympiens, the Algerian finished emphatically from range with a curled effort from around 20-yards outside the box. It was simply unstoppable for Larsonneur to get any fingertips to it (26'). By the break, OM were clearly the side in the ascendancy, with ASSE not making the most of their odd skirmish up the pitch.

Gouiri makes the difference, Sainté capitulate

Straight out for the second half, and Gouiri would be involved in the action once again. This time the Algerian's drive into the box finished with a cross which deflected off Mikael Nade's arm, and the referee had to consult VAR before pointing to the spot. OM's top scorer Greenwood would step up and convert confidently to double the lead for Les Olympiens.

De Zerbi's men just wouldn't stop in their attacking intent, this time Larsonneur did well to save from Gouiri and then Merlin, but Sainté's defence was all over the place and Murillo was allowed to simply tap home into an open net for Marseille's third (57'). Gouiri would then add a fourth and his second of the day with a deft chip after the hosts steal the ball off the Sainté defence and send the Algerian through one-on-one with Larsonneur (60'). Adrien Rabiot then grabbed his fifth goal of the season, heading home from debutant Amar Dedic's cross and first assist for Les Phocéens. (76')

The away side would grab a goal back through Lucas Stassin, picking up on an error by the OM defence and finishing low past Rulli (78'), but it would be too little too late for Les Stéphanois, as OM condemned them to a straight third defeat in the league.

Match Reaction: Roberto De Zerbi

On the Match: 

"I think we had a big performance, we were really good physically and mentally. We have a lot of motivation and stimulation to continue our work. All the new players that have come in have increased the level of our side, but there is still a lot of work to do."

On Amine Gouiri

"Gouiri is a very strong player. He needs to think of himself as a real number 9. I’ve spoken to him about it, he needs to specialise in this role. He needs to know where the goal is at all times and have that perfect finish. When he manages to improve these aspects, he will be a top European player because he is already someone fundamental to the team.“ 

On OM's next match:

"We have to go to Auxerre (next weekend) and the game starts again at 0-0. This wasn't an easy game against Saint Etienne. We prepared for it really well this week." 

THE STAT:  Gouiri at the double

Since joining Marseille, Amine Gouiri has now had five goal involvements in his first three appearances for Les Olympiens (Two goals, three assists). 

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