Maupay in distributor, the regrets of Sang et Or… The tops and flops

Tops

Distributor Neal Maupay

We expected him to be a scorer. He distinguished himself as a passer. Preferred over Elye Wahi at the forefront of the Marseille attack, Neal Maupay was tough in the first half. But in the second act, he was able to make the difference twice by distributing two caviars. The first for Valentin Rongier, after a magnificent chest control, the second for Luis Henrique. A successful match from the French center forward.

The cold-bloodedness of Valentin Rongier

Established in midfield for the first time this season – he had already started a match but at right-back – Valentin Rongier was able to seize this opportunity. Rather comfortable in the engagement, he especially distinguished himself offensively. The ex-Nantes player, known for his ineffectiveness in front of goal in recent seasons, showed composure to deceive the vigilance of Brice Samba with a beautiful cross strike just after returning from the locker room (49^e). An achievement which allowed the Phocaeans to launch perfectly to achieve victory.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s cannon shot

A little behind in the first part of the match, particularly in the lead-up, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg gained momentum as the match progressed… until sealing Marseille's victory just before the end of regulation time. On a direct free kick placed about twenty meters from Brice Samba's cages, the Dane took responsibility and struck forcefully on the open side, which surprised the Lensois goalkeeper (89^e). A goal as magnificent as it is important for the Phocaeans!

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Flops

Lensois regrets

A bitter defeat. RC Lens lost but could have deserved better this Saturday afternoon. Indeed, the Sang et Or had a remarkable first half, both in terms of commitment, intensity and technical quality, creating several clear chances. But their attackers (or midfielders) – Deiver Machado (3^e), David Pereira Da Costa (42^e), M'Bla Love (42^e) – lacked realism against Geronimo Rulli. And often, in football, when you don't achieve domination, you pay for it a little later. This is exactly what happened in the second act.

Brice Samba not very decisive

Author of a very good start to the season, Brice Samba did not have his usual performance this Saturday afternoon. The Lensois goalkeeper conceded (almost) the same goal twice, on two right-footed cross shots – from Valentin Rongier then from Luis Henrique – on which he (undoubtedly) could have done better. He is also a little at fault on the free kick scored by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg since the Dane scored it by hitting the open side. It is certain that the French international goalkeeper will do better next week against Stade de Reims (Friday, 8:45 p.m.).