Analysis: Angel Gomes rediscovers form for Marseille

Angel Gomes’ first half against Brest may have been his finest yet in an Olympique de Marseille shirt since joining from Lille OSC in the summer. The Englishman was at the heart of Roberto De Zerbi’s side’s 3-0 win at the Vélodrome — linking play between the lines, threading passes between wingers and Aubameyang up front, and delivering with real precision on the ball. His first-half free-kick may have owed something to Brest goalkeeper Radoslaw Majecki’s spill, but it was nonetheless Gomes’ second goal in as many Ligue 1 McDonald's games, and a timely reminder of his growing influence.

“He played well, a typical Gomes match,” said De Zerbi after the match in his post-match press conference. “He brought quality, creativity — everything. And even a goal.” It was the kind of performance Marseille have been waiting for since his summer arrival — one defined by fluid movement, technical sharpness and a confidence that had been missing earlier in the campaign.

WATCH: Marseille cruise to 3-0 win over Brest

From deep-lying doubts to creative spark

When Gomes first arrived at Marseille, there was a temptation to replicate his Lille role — as a deeper playmaker tasked with initiating moves from midfield. Yet, that version of Gomes struggled to impose himself physically, unable to cover the ground or dominate duels like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg or Arthur Vermeeren.

De Zerbi’s decision to push him higher up the pitch, into a true No.10 role, has transformed him. Against Brest, Gomes roamed intelligently between the lines, linking with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the wide men while maintaining his pressing duties. His set-piece delivery was once again a weapon, and he could easily have doubled his tally with a second-half effort missed at the back post.

"I spoke individually with Vermeeren and Gomes. We need to keep possession, move the ball around to get back on our feet, have lots of players near the ball and, if we lose it, there are plenty of us to get it back," said Roberto De Zerbi. "We need to take risks, push forward, attack. At worst, we'll concede a goal on the counter-attack, but nobody will die."

A partnership that clicks

Perhaps most encouragingly for Marseille, Gomes has found an ideal partner in Arthur Vermeeren. The Belgian was equally instrumental against Brest — recovering 10 balls and making 26 passes into the final third — and his composure complements Gomes’ flair perfectly. “If Vermeeren plays like this, he’s a starter,” De Zerbi said, praising the youngster’s maturity. Together with Højbjerg anchoring behind them, Marseille finally looked to have found a midfield balance that has long eluded them.

Gomes’ recent run — three goals in Ligue 1 McDonald's, his best-ever top-flight tally — is the product of consistency and trust. Even if his goals against Auxerre and Brest were slightly fortunate, they symbolise a player who now takes responsibility and plays with conviction. De Zerbi recognises that too, shortening the upcoming international break to focus on rhythm and repetition: “We’ll do work, and play, play, play,” he said.