DECRYPTION – The meeting between Parisians and Marseillais experienced its share of twists and turns on Saturday evening (2-2). On and off the field.
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Greenwood, the only bright spot in the Phocaean grayness
In a low-level match, the Englishman responded and it was without much surprise that he was the best Marseillais of the evening. With a goal, from a penalty… caused by himself and an assist for Aubameyang, Mason Greenwood (13 goals, 4 goals in 19 Ligue 1 matches) had fulfilled his part of the contract. At the end of the match, just before Paris FC equalized, he was still there to find Gouiri who was harvesting his offering. When his attacking partners (Paixao, Nwareni, Gouiri or even Traoré) did almost nothing good, he was up to the task. But football is played with eleven players.
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The heart of Paris FC
We say it again and again, even Stéphane Gili said it in a post-match press conference: Paris FC is “a small team“. Despite its 4th Ligue 1 budget, the long-awaited promoted club due to its belonging to the Arnault family is still very far from the heights of the French championship. However, despite its limitations in all areas of the game, the Parisian club never gives up. The public had already seen it against Lyon (3-3) last October, against Paris SG in the Coupe de France, it was the same situation on Saturday against OM. Trailing 0-2, Ilan Kebbal’s band had the merit of always believing in it, well helped by a feverish opponent. “I told the starters that if we scored, we could come back», summarizes Gili who celebrated his 100th on the Parisian bench. Well seen. With this mindset, the foundations are laid.
A psychologist referee
Controversies over referees continue to spoil the debates every week. When the officials do their job well, it must be said too. This is the case of Jérémie Pignard. At the 44e minute of play, the Marseillais lead the score thanks to Mason Greenwood and Maxime Lopez gets angry after a penalty (logically) not whistled, then collects a yellow card for protest. On the following action, the Parisian midfielder, overwhelmed, made a mistake which would have merited a second yellow, or an expulsion. But Mr. Pignard, aware of the situation, is there to calm him down and call him to order. Lopez understands this and doesn’t flinch. A psychology that is a pleasure to see. At halftime, Gili will bring out Lopez. And later Paris FC will equalize. Would he have done it at 10 against 11? Asking the question is already a form of response.
The joyful atmosphere at Jean Bouin
Prohibited from traveling to the capital, Marseille supporters were nevertheless present at the Jean Bouin stadium on Saturday evening. As soon as OM started to score, the enclosure exploded with numerous chants in favor of the visiting club. Distributed in different places in the stadium, the Marseille fans fulfilled their role. One wonders if La Canebière had not landed near the Porte de Saint-Cloud. It won’t be the same story next Sunday at the Parc des Princes. At the end of the match, when Paris FC came back to life, the atmosphere was reversed with Parisian supporters waking up.
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A very poor match despite the four goals
When Stéphane Gili, at a press conference, praised his team’s play during the first act, several journalists raised their heads, aware of not having seen the same match. Including us. This Paris FC-OM was not a great football event, notably with an atrocious first act. Technical waste, individual errors galore, stereotypical play… We were really bored apart from Greenwood’s penalty. And the second half was saved by the three goals scored and an exciting scenario. As for the game, it was very weak.
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OM is very ill
A pathetic elimination in the Champions League on Wednesday in Bruges (0-3), a disappointing draw against Paris FC on Saturday… A week in hell for OM. But Pablo Longoria’s gang deserves nothing else. If Greenwood fulfilled his role, other executives have passed through like Rulli who makes a series of blunders, Balerdi who exudes real excitement, Højbjerg who does not always run in the right direction or Paixao who is too intermittent in the show. Not one to catch up with the other. OM is in crisis.
The incessant changes of De Zerbi
31st match of the season for OM and 31st starting line-up for the Italian technician, very marked in front of the media on Saturday evening. Roberto De Zerbi also has his share of responsibility in this slump. In the second half, when the score was 0-2 and his team was not dominating the proceedings outrageously, he had the good idea to change five players. Just that. This had the merit of bringing a little more excitement to a group with already trembling legs. Why not wait until 0-3 before shaking everything up? This draw against a weak Paris FC is also his fault.
