Pavard, Gomes, & Aguerd on target as Marseille cruise to 4-0 win over 10-man Lorient
The international break came at a good time for Olympique de Marseille. With the controversy of Rabiot and Rowe’s bust-up seemingly behind them, and a whole set of new recruits at their disposal – OM’s game against Lorient was almost like a new start to the season for Les Olympiens.
From Friday evening’s display, it looked like the break and fresh input brought by OM’s new players had paid off. Not only was it a new start for Roberto De Zerbi’s men – but also the beginning of a key week in which Les Olympiens will have to face a daunting trip to Real Madrid before a Classique clash against Paris Saint-Germain next weekend. By half-time Les Olympiens were 3-0 up against 10-men and Les Marsiellais simply didn’t look back.
Debutants Benjamin Pavard, and Nayef Aguerd got on the scoresheet – as Angel Gomes opened his OM account with a stunning volley after Mason Greenwood opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
The key moment for OM came when Darline Yongwa pulled down Michael Amir Murillo in the box – and was given his marching orders by referee Thomas Leonard who brandished a somewhat harsh red card for the Frenchman. At the same time, it was a spot-kick for OM and none other than Mason Greenwood would step up and dispatch calmly to open the scoring for the hosts (13′). Any lingering tension from their Olimpico defeat to Lyon just before the international break seemed to dissipate from then onwards.
Nine years in the making: Pavard back with a goal
Nine years after making his last appearance in Ligue 1, Benjamin Pavard would score on his debut to double Marseille’s lead – towering above the Lorient defence from a corner and connecting with a powerful header past Mvogo (20′). Cue the passionate celebrations, as the Vélodrome refound its sense of pride as the France international wheeled away in celebration. Two would then become three just before the hour-mark, as Angel Gomes scored his first goal in Ligue 1 McDonald's in stunning fashion: the Englishman received the ball on the edge of the box and controlled with the flick before volleying home into the top corner (32′).
The second half saw plenty of new debuts: notably the biggest cheer was reserved for Igor Paixao who came off the bench along with Emerson Palmieri and Arthur Vermeeren. But Les Olympiens took their foot off the gas, and generated very little in a half where they dominated the ball – as Lorient knew in their heart of hearts that the contest was over, despite some dogged and spirited defending in the latter stages. Yet Nayef Aguerd would pop up with a deflected finish in the final minute of injury time to cap off a positive result for Les Olympiens
It’s a win which was aided by Lorient’s early red card, but it certainly soothes unease before OM travel to the Spanish capital next week, and then face their rivals from the French capital a few days later.
THE STAT: Aguerd - a new rock in OM's defence?
Nayef Aguerd attempted 118 passes in this game, the highest total for a Olympique de Marseille player in the Ligue 1 McDonald's this season. OM's defence desperately needed a sense of calm and composure at the back, which Aguerd clearly provided throughout the win. Can it be repeated in the next week against Real Madrid and PSG?
