Lirola nets important OM winner against Troyes | OneFootball

Pol Lirola netted a 74th-minute winner as Olympique de Marseille beat Troyes 1-0, with Jorge Sampaoli's side back on the goal trail following back-to-back 0-0 draws in front of their own fans.

THE MATCH

This match was played behind closed doors and the first half lacked excitement as the two teams cancelled each other out. Laurent Batlles’ Troyes were controlled in the first period, nullifying OM and producing an attempt on target (31’) when Gerson Rodrigues set up Giulian Biancone and the wing-back’s powerful shot was saved by Pau Lopez.

Marseille showed up as more of a threat past the hour mark with captain Dimitri Payet pulling the strings. Payet’s subtle play led to a chance for Arkadiuz Milik, who let fly with a left-foot shot that visiting goalkeeper Gauthier Gallon proved equal to (62’).

Payet was again the creator as Milik got to the ball ahead of former Marseille defender Adil Rami and again drew the best out of Gallon (71’). The breakthrough came (74’) when Payet set up Lirola and the Spaniard kept his nerve in the one-on-one with Gallon, side-footing the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

The victory moved Marseille fourth in the table ahead of Lens and now level on points with third-placed Nice with a game in hand on the Côte d’Azur club. Troyes are 17th and only a point above the bottom two.

THE PLAYER: Dimitri Payet

Despite enduring an off-night with his direct free-kicks, Payet was by far Marseille’s most dangerous player. He created chances for Milik that weren’t taken before setting up Lirola for the winner. Payet provided eight passes that led to OM shots and has been involved in four of Marseille’s last seven goals against Troyes.

THE STAT: 3

Troyes have failed to score in their last three league outings.

>> Messi, Marquinhos secure PSG win