Nice created the surprise by going to win on the lawn of Marseille, at the end of the 22e Ligue 1 day (1-3). Find the tops and flops of this meeting.
TOPS
Nice confirms its revival
What a week for the Gym! Winner of Lille (1-0) then Lens (0-1), the Aiglons did even better this Sunday, by having an intractable OM in recent weeks (1-3). Very disappointing under the orders of Lucien Favre, the Riviera formation seems transformed since the appointment of Didier Digard. The Niçois showed off their clear progress on the lawn of the Vélodrome. Solid and involved, they also shone on the counterattack, perfectly exploiting the flaws in the Marseille defense. Technically, the level has clearly gone up a notch.
We found Laborde
One of the symbols of Nice’s return to form. Unrecognizable during the first part of the season, Gaëtan Laborde finds colors. And its effectiveness. Goalscorer at Lens (0-1), the former Girondin did it again, opportunistically scoring the second Nice goal (44th). Also behind the opener (38th). In the game, the 28-year-old striker weighed in his right lane. His deviations and his defensive withdrawals were very valuable for the Gym.
Todibo solid at the post
Uncertain after his exit to Lens, Jean-Clair Todibo was a good starter for this shock. And the former Barça player has again responded. Solid in duels and clean in his raises, he formed an effective hinge with Dante. He did not hesitate to come and lend a hand to Lotomba to contain the rises of Tavares. A big game. One more.
FLOPS
Vitinha, failed beginnings
Arrived on the Canebière with the status of the most expensive rookie in the history of OM, Vitinha made his big debut this Sunday in the Marseille jersey. A failed baptism of fire. Holder at the forefront of the attack, the former Braga striker delivered a very discreet performance. Serious in his pressing but uncomfortable in the game, he harvested his only opportunity, sending a shot in the stands (43e). Igor Tudor did not hesitate to punish his poor performance by replacing him with Sanchez at the break.
Payet, the other sacrificed
Vitinha was not the only one to bear the brunt of his trainer’s quick coaching. Like his new teammate, Dimitri Payet also joined the substitutes’ bench during the break, after forty-five disappointing minutes. The Reunionese did not influence enough and seemed overwhelmed as soon as the pace accelerated. His choices were not always wise. Malinovskyi, his substitute, brought much more pep to the attacking front.
