Ligue 1 Gameweek 10 Review: Marseille And PSG Produce High Quality Drama

Le Classique lives up to the hype

Paris Saint-Germain almost lost for the first time this season, but Edinson Cavani scored an outstanding free-kick in stoppage time to maintain their unbeaten record in a 2-2 draw. Marseille still haven’t beaten their arch-rivals since 2011 and were left devastated at the final whistle. 

Luiz Gustavo gave Marseille the lead when his shot from distance swerved away from PSG keeper Alphonse Areola just a quarter of an hour into the game. Cavani then missed a golden chance to draw level straight away from close range. 

Neymar did silence the hostile atmosphere at the Stade Velodrome with a precision finish for his 10th goal in 11 games. Unfortunately, the ferocious support did overstep the mark at times, as bottles and plastic cups were thrown at the Brazilian as he prepared to take corners. 

Clinton N’Jie battled to cross the ball for Florian Thauvin, with the former Newcastle winger appearing to have given Marseille a surprise win. It certainly seemed like it wasn’t going to be PSG’s night when Neymar was sent-off for two yellow cards in the space of two minutes. 

The winger was initially booked for dissent and was then persistently fouled by Lucas Ocampos. Neymar approached the Argentine, but the little contact between the pair saw Ocampos throw himself to the ground and referee Ruddy Buquet remove the former Barcelona man with three minutes of normal time remaining.

Monaco returns to winning ways 

After four games without a win, Monaco defeated Caen 2-0 and kept a much-needed clean sheet. Manager Leonardo Jardim opted for his second-choice formation of 4-2-3-1, but with away games with Bordeaux and Besiktas next he might continue with it. 

“We're looking for balance and for Thomas Lemar, playing in the number 10 role is a solution,” said Jardim. “He brought rapid decision making to our play, acceleration into space, pressed from the front and was dynamic.” 

Arsenal and Liverpool transfer target Lemar assisted Monaco’s opening goal for Keita and Radamel Falcao scored again from the penalty spot. Monaco have reduced the difference to three points at the top of Ligue One, but they will have greater tests in the coming months. 

Montpellier continue their run 

Saint-Etienne had won seven of their last eight meetings with Montpellier at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, but they missed the opportunity to go temporarily into second in the table. Isaac Mbenza scored his second goal in six days to give Montpellier a 1-0 win.

It wasn’t quite as exquisitely taken as his strike against Nice, although the Belgian attacker’s persistence paid off. Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier saved his initial direct effort, but he managed to squeeze the ball in at the second attempt.

Montpellier are now unbeaten in their last five matches, with four clean sheets in this period. They have also now played four of the top five in the league. 

Lyon are finding form 

Lyon coach Bruno Genesio was in danger of losing his job just 10 days ago, as he was given until the next international break to turn results around. However, three consecutive victories have changed the mood at the Groupama Stadium. 

The wins over Monaco, Everton and now Troyes have the club looking much more positive. The 5-0 win away from home was impressive enough, but Memphis Depay scored a hat-trick to bring himself back into form. 

They have back-to-back home games against struggling teams Metz and Everton next, whilst they have only lost to Paris Saint-Germain this term. Lyon have won 10 out of their last 11 matches against newly promoted sides.

How much longer will the Bielsa project last?

Rennes beat Lille 1-0 to record only their second victory of the campaign and to pile more pressure on Marcelo Bielsa. His complex methods and tactics naturally take time to implement, although there are normally much better results during the process. 

“Of course, I'm worried given where we are in the table,” said Bielsa after the game. “19th position speaks for itself. 

“The team is playing according to the principles I want to see in action. We defended well and ran a lot but attacked badly.”

Honourable mentions 

Strasbourg won their second game of the season against Nice to add to the misery for Lucien Favre’s side. Joia Nuno Da Costa scored a brace as they won 2-1, even though they played the last 37 minutes with 10 men after Ernest Seka saw red.