O'Riley, Paixao, & Gouiri fire Marseille back on top

Olympique de Marseille topped off a promising few weeks of positive form with a convincing win over bottom side FC Metz to move again temporarily top of the Ligue 1 McDonald's table. Igor Paixao opened the scoring with a deflected strike in the second half, before Matt O'Riley scored his first goal for OM in style - and Amine Gouiri added a third to kill off the affair.

Roberto De Zerbi made four changes to the starting XI that faced Strasbourg last time out in Ligue 1 McDonald's, with Emerson, Pavard, Greenwood and a surprise spot for youngster Robinio Vaz - who makes his first start of the season for Les Phocéens. Metz hadn't won a game at home all season, and sat bottom of the league - but OM were looking to finish a promising run of form before the international break comes into play next week.

Les Olympiens dominated the ball in the opening minutes, as Greenwood's strike stung the palms of Fischer before spilling in front of Paixao - but the flag would be raised for offside. Robinio Vaz broke into the box but Gomes should have done better to get onto the youngster's pullback before he blasted wide of the post, much to the frustration of Roberto De Zerbi on the sidelines. Metz had to take a blow when Jean-Phillipe Gambin had to cede his starting spot to Collin following an injury, which forced Stephane Le Mignan to switch up his back line. 

Timothy Weah broke behind, but he couldn't find a pulled-back effort which was blocked by the Grenat defence. Les Phocéens got ever so close to the Metz net, even finding combinations within the six-yard box but Vaz's flick not testing Fischer after a promising move between O'Riley and Greenwood. Metz had one last chance just before the end of the half as a warning shot, as Guathier Hein whipped a cross to the back post, but Kouao was caught off balance and sliced his shot. Rulli had to rush out to deny Sabaly from close range, as Metz found they could generate some chances on the counter attack and with their physicality.

Metz came out for the second period with intent, as Habib Diallo latched onto a cross from the left side but blasted his header over the bar. OM then had a great chance through Paixao after a searching run from Matt O'Riley, which Fischer just about managed to scramble away from his area. Mason Greenwood's strike then rattled the crossbar with a floated strike from the middle of the box. Then Marseille would finally open the scoring through Paixao, this time Vaz played the Brazilian into the box - and his strike was deflected by a Metz defender past Fischer (51'). Timothy Weah had a chance at the far post ten minutes later as OM searched for an all-important second after Amine Gouiri and Leonardo Balerdi entered the pitch for Angel Gomes and Robinio Vaz. Marseille would finally find breathing space, this time it was Matt O'Riley who provided a lovely curled finish just inside the box after some great work from Amine Gouiri to feed him (68'). The Brighton loanee tested Fischer once again just minutes later as OM looked to go and dominate further.

THE STAT: 60% 

Roberto De Zerbi has won 60% of his Ligue 1 McDonald's matches in charge of Marseille (W24 D5 L11), which is the best win rate of any manager at the head of the club for more than two games in the French top-flight.

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