RC Strasbourg Alsace 1-1 Olympique de Marseille

THE MATCH

Both sides went into the game desperate for a result. Strasbourg hadn't won since 24th September, whilst Marseille's last win in Ligue 1 Uber Eats came against Le Havre on 8th October.

It was the latter that began the game with more intent. Matz Sels, who had an exceptional game for Strasbourg, saved well from Jonathan Clauss (2'), but it was Strasbourg who opened the scoring in what was a frantic start to the fixture. 

Ângelo Gabriel drove forward with one of his trademark dribbles before feeding Kevin Gameiro. The Frenchman's shot was saved by Pau Lopez, but his parry fell back at the feet of Gameiro, who teed up Emanuel Emegha to finish into the empty net (6'). 

Clauss shines against his formative club

Marseille almost equalised through Joaquin Correa, however, the Argentine forward's volleyed effort was saved excellently by Sels at close range (19'). But there was nothing that the Belgian goalkeeper could do about Clauss' effort just minutes later. 

The France international struck a volley from the edge of the box, which hit the back of Sels' net, via the inside of the post (27'). Facing his formative club, Clauss chose not to celebrate.

Les Phocéens continued to show intent and Jordan Veretout almost gave them the lead, however, his volley fell just the wrong side of the post (46') as far as Marseille were concerned. However, it was Strasbourg who procured the better chances in the second period. 

Gameiro ought to have done better with his effort inside the box. His effort was comfortably saved by Lopez (53'). Gerzino Nyamsi then forced Lopez into another save before the returning Dilane Bakwa struck the bar with a sweetly-struck curled effort (71') from the edge of the box. 

Ultimately, however, neither side could find a winner and both sides had to settle for a draw that ultimately suits neither party. 

THE PLAYER: Matz Sels

The Belgian goalkeeper's intervention proved decisive. Sels made crucial saves in the first-half, denying Clauss early-on and then, even more spectacularly, Correa. He was also composed in possession, allowing his team to build from the back and retain possession at key moments in the game. 

THE STAT: 7

Marseille have taken just seven points in their last nine Ligue 1 Uber Eats matches. Only Lorient (six points), have taken fewer in that time. Gattuso has earned five of those points and that figure is the lowest of any OM manager in their first six league matches since Albert Emon in 2002 (two points). 

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