DECRYPTION – After OM’s heavy setback against Liverpool (0-3), find out what caught the attention of the editorial team Figaro.
TOPS
Hugo Ekitick, swives the guide
Hugo Ekitiké returned to the Vélodrome after stints with Reims and PSG. And what a performance the French striker delivered, during Liverpool’s victory against Olympique de Marseille (0-3). Always with his back to the game, capable of creating gaps and constantly connected with his midfielder, the man who has made Reds supporters happy since the start of the season has confirmed all the good things that we think of him. After a goal disallowed in the first period for an offside position, Ekitiké hit the outside post of Rulli’s cages in the second act. Author of a full match, the former Ligue 1 player – often criticized for his level of play considered too low – gave up his place in the 79th minute, in favor of Cody Gakpo, scorer to finish off OM in added time.
Skip the ad
Dominik Szoboszlai, la classe hongroise
A strong man in Arne Slot’s system, the Hungarian midfielder was once again invaluable to the Reds. Particularly on his well-placed free kick below the Marseille wall just before the break to give Liverpool the advantage. He also delivers a marvelous pass in the Ekitiké race, on the strike of the French striker having finished on the left post of the Marseille goals. His impact in the heart of the game was felt throughout the match, against an overwhelmed Olympian midfielder.
Also read
Tribute to Rolland Courbis, a nod to the Beatles… Images of the Vélodrome stadium before OM-Liverpool
FLOPS
Marseillais simply not at the level
The observation is harsh at the end of this evening. The Olympians did not have the weapons to fight against Liverpool, although they were far from irresistible at the Vélodrome. Incapable of moving, never connected and incredibly imprecise in small spaces, Roberto De Zerbi’s players showed a very sad face to their supporters. We also wonder what the Italian manager’s game plan was to destabilize Virgil Van Dijk and company, as his players were, at times, wandered around the field. This evening, Olympique de Marseille is in 19th place in the Champions League championship. And will be under maximum pressure when playing their qualifier in Bruges next Wednesday.
Gouiri-Greenwood, symbols of the Marseille slump
The two Marseillais had done so many wonders on the pitch at SCO Angers last Saturday. Problem is, adversity was of a completely different caliber on this European evening. And Gouiri and Greenwood were never able to fight. The first was ghostly at the forefront of the Marseille attack, despite a shot (the only one on target) repelled by Alisson in the first period. The second, capable of bringing danger at any time, woke up for ten minutes after returning from the locker room, like this nice right shot. Before going out again. Mason Greenwood was obviously expected to wear his. He never had the performance we hoped for.
The very delicate evening of Benjamin Pavard
The international right back returned to the Marseille starting lineup. His tenure turned sour. In difficulty from the start of the match with several losses of balls, Pavard was at fault for the goal ultimately refused to Ekitiké in the first act. Often beaten in duels and sometimes apathetic against English attackers, the former Bayern Munich player missed out. His stupidly conceded yellow card – while he was under threat of suspension – for pushing a Liverpool player, will cost him his place against Bruges next week.
Skip the ad
Mohamed Salah absent from the debates
After an elimination in the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations against Nigeria, Mohamed Salah regained his starting place at the club. The Premier League superstar, unlike Ekitiké, experienced a completely innocuous match. With only 28 balls touched and several wasted opportunities, including a last one at the end of the match, on a completely missed outside left foot, the Egyptian striker was unrecognizable. He will have to show his strength in the coming days, otherwise he will be threatened with the bench by his manager, Arne Slot.
