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February 5, 2012 8:00 PM GMT
Stade Vélodrome — Marseille
Referee: A. Gautier
Attendance: 41474
Player Ratings: Olympique de Marseille 2-2 Olympique Lyonnais
OM's push towards the summit of Ligue 1 stumbled as they were held to a draw in the Olympico at Stade Velodrome. Here's how all the players fared
By Robin Bairner
Reacted well to save an early shot from Gomis and moments later vitally claimed a cross that appeared destined for Lisandro, but was left exposed by his defence too often and had no chance with the goals. Dealt well with everything that he could have been expected to.
Supposedly a target for Chelsea, the Blues would have been unimpressed had they watched the Spaniard tonight, as he was constantly beaten by Bastos and Cissokho. Too many crosses came in from his flank, and it was one of those that led to the own goal.
Regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Ligue 1 this season, the Cameroon defender was part of a regard that looked misshapen and out-of-sync. Big gaps often appeared in the centre, and though this was not directly the youngster’s fault, this was not an impressive showing.
The best of a bad bunch in Marseille’s back four. Looked steady enough in his left-back role and offered an intermittent threat when he pushed on. Found life tougher when he was faced by Bastos when the Brazilian switched wings.
Gave himself a tough task by being booked for a crude challenge on Lisandro after only 11 minutes, and he was perhaps a little lucky he didn’t see red. By half time, the Senegal defender probably wished he had walked, as he scored an own goal and looked thoroughly off the pace. Withdrawn midway through the second half.
Used his physique well in the heart of the field, but did not stamp his authority on this match as a player of his experience might have expected. Won many headers, but the former Bordeaux man remains capable of far better, and a second-half stumble was nearly punished by Kallstrom.
Bad error in his own box in the first 10 minutes presented Lyon with a fine early chance, but he more than made amends soon afterwards by reacting well in the box to score. Worked typically hard in the centre of the field, covering a great deal of ground and helping out at both ends of the park.
Another player to have recently returned from the Afcon, Kabore was rather forced to start this game out of circumstance. It was his cross into the box that acted as a catalyst for the opening goal, but he struggled to keep to the pace in a frantic match.
Has been very influential for OM in recent weeks, he started very well when he fired a shot over after just a couple of minutes, but his influence on the game was often limited. Did create Brandao's goal with a lovely cross.
Has impressed since returning to the club after a loan stint in Brazil, and the industrious striker again had a positive impact, making a nuisance of himself in the lead up to the opening goal and then scoring the second with the kind of composed finish not generally associated with him.
Deployed out on the flank, Remy was undoubtedly less effectual than he has been through the centre this season. Did win some valuable ball in the air, but he was not the direct threat on goal that his scoring record would suggest he should have been.
Given the last few minutes in place of Kabore.
Acted as a useful steadying influence in the centre of the defence for the last quarter of the game.
The France No.1 was rarely tested aside from the goals, neither of which he stood much of a serious chance with. Was forced to make several more blocks in the second period, but many of these were relatively routine. Commanded his box well.
Given the nod ahead of Cris, who was shambolic in midweek, despite only just returning from the Afcon late last week. Didn’t look completely comfortable in the middle of the rearguard, and certainly looked a little jaded – which was the last thing a new central defensive pairing needed.
Generally patrolled his channel strongly, and was not willing to give up his defensive position by pushing needlessly forward. One late raid nearly created a winning goal. Marseille did exploit his relative weakness in the air, with Brandao in particular missing a good chance when the right-back was marking him.
Made a costly error to allow Cheyrou to open the scoring relatively early on, and looked more comfortable when pushing gamely forward down the left, as he did regularly. Produced the cross that led to Diawara putting through his own goal.
The Cameroon-born defender has impressed immensely since coming into the starting XI, and was given a huge vote of confidence from Garde, who is set to provide him with his first professional contract soon. This was certainly a more uncertain performance from the youngster, who picked up a booking in the second half.
Showed a wide range of passing skills, and yet another one of the Swede’s corners was a catalyst for a Lyon goal. Another steady performance from the reliable midfielder.
One of the most dangerous threats in the Lyon side, particularly when he was allowed to roam down the left flank, from where he delivered a number of dangerous crosses, but he did not show it enough. Flitted to the right regularly, and looked a threat cutting inside.
Has been played in defence in recent weeks due to a shortage there, but was pushed forward into the midfield on this occasion. In an open match, it was impossible to have a firm grip on this area of the field, but the destructive youngster broke up plenty of play and used possession sensibly.
Designated the captain in the absence of Cris, and led by example, showing great determination throughout. Many of his best touches came outside the box, but showed that he is more than simply a goal scorer by linking the play well. Had a couple of late efforts that might have produced a winner.
Has been in really sharp form in front of goal lately, and got himself on the scoresheet with a typically predatory finish before the first half was out. Got into some good positions previously, but was wasteful. Replaced early in the second half.
While Bastos was a consistent threat out wide, the same could not be said for the Parisian winger, who struggled to make a meaningful impression when pushing forward. Linked up better after the break, creating a decent chance for Gomis.
Failed to make an impact after replacing Gomis.
| Tournament | |
| Position | |
| Ranking |
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
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|
Nenê
Midfielder PSG |
21 | 9 |
|
|
Olivier Giroud
Striker Montpellier Herault SC |
21 | 2 |
|
|
Eden Hazard
Midfielder Lille |
20 | 9 |
|
|
Licha López
Striker Lyon |
16 | 4 |
|
|
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Striker AS Saint-Etienne |
16 | 0 |

