Defeated in Saint-Etienne, OM were able to count on a great Mandanda but were weighed down by Balerdi. Here are our Tops and Flops.
The Tops:
Steve mandanda : Not always at the top this season, the Olympique de Marseille goalkeeper has held his place in Saint-Etienne. Extremely in demand in the first half, the Marseille captain made many saves against Khazri, Bouanga and Nordin. More domineering in the second half, OM were nonetheless able to count on an always inspired Mandanda, especially in his outings and his kicking. However, the big game of the French goalkeeper was not enough for the Marseillais to turn the tide and achieve an equalizer.
Luis Henrique : Aligned in the left lane of the defense to five, the Brazilian was discreet in the first half. Serious defensively, he mostly let loose offensively after the break. Much higher on the ground, he multiplied the dribbles and accelerations against a Debuchy who had difficulty following him. Like a week ago against Strasbourg, Luis Henrique could have been a decisive passer for Benedetto, but the Argentinian’s attempt was beautifully deflected by Green with ten minutes remaining.
The Flops:
Leonardo balerdi : Oddly aligned to the left of the three-way defense, the Argentine was serious throughout the game. Unfortunately for him and for OM, it was his individual mistake that cost the Phocaeans the point of the draw. On a cross from the right, the defender on loan from Borussia Dortmund was completely torn apart, to the benefit of striker Arnaud Nordin, who then deceived Steve Mandanda with a flat-footed and calm foot.
Pol Lirola : Omnipresent in recent weeks, the Spaniard has stalled for two games. Discreet against Strasbourg a week ago, the right side of Olympique de Marseille struggled in Saint-Etienne. Mistreated by Bouanga defensively, he was not as sharp and decisive as usual in attack. His attitude has also surprised at times, such as in the first half where he almost stopped play with the ball in his feet to complain about the lack of movement of his teammates.