PLAYER RATINGS | Angers 0-2 Marseille: Adrien Rabiot and Neal Maupay break down spirited defence | OneFootball

Ligue 1 McDonald’s, Round 21, 09/02/2025

Olympique de Marseille were made to work for a 2-0 victory over Angers SCO at the Stade Raymond Kopa, as second-half goals from Adrien Rabiot and Neal Maupay secured the three points.

The Match

Eyes were quickly drawn to Ismaël Bennacer’s name on Marseille’s teamsheet. The defensive midfielder had only signed on loan at the start of the week from AC Milan. However, with Valentin Rongier absent due to an illness, Bennacer would be making his awaited debut.

He set about quickly matching expectations as he made himself key to Marseille’s plans to dominate possession from the first whistle. The midfielder was constantly involved in the build-up play as they looked to dislodge Angers’ low block.

His ability to change the team’s tempo and spot runs into the box almost led to the opening goal when he found Quentin Merlin marauding forward. The wing-back’s shot was left wanting and trickled directly towards Yahia Fofana.

It was the theme of the first half for Marseille. They played attractive football but lacked the composure in the final third to threaten their hosts. Mason Greenwood, in particular, struggled and looked very off his game. Misplacing passes, firing into Angers’ defenders, and slipping when called upon.

Merlin came close to opening the scoring in the second half. Michael Amir Murillo burst down the wing on the overlap. The centre-back swung the ball across goal finding Merlin unmarked. The wing-back only needed to hit the target, but he once again fell at the final hurdle and fired wide.

It would take a set piece for Marseille to finally break a mean defence that had offered up very little. Amine Gouiri would register his second assist in two games since moving from Stade Rennais when his corner found Adrien Rabiot who headed past Fofana.

Marseille struck again while the iron was hot. Rabiot played a through ball to Gouiri. The forward dragged Fofana off-centre before delivering a selfless pass to substitute Neal Maupay. The Frenchman took the opportunity grabbing the second of the evening.

Marseille player ratings

Géronimo Rulli – 6

Derek Cornelius – 7

Leonardo Balerdi – 7

Michael Amir Murillo – 8

Quentin Merlin – 5

The wing-back managed to find excellent attacking positions, but his finishing was left wanting. The game opened up fully when he was substituted midway through the second half. Replaced by Neal Maupay.

Ismaël Bennacer – 8

A brilliant way to endear yourself to your new fans. The midfielder was heavily involved both in attack and defence. A shield when Marseille needed it, but also a player who could orchestrate the game from deep. His ability to change the tempo of the visitor’s attack looks as if it could be vital in the coming weeks. Replaced by Geoffrey Kondogbia midway through the second half.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – 7

Luis Henrique – 5

Adrien Rabiot – 8

Mason Greenwood – 4

Amine Gouiri – 8

A very unorthodox forward. His finishing still looks a bit awkward, but he is proving to be a creative asset to this Marseille attack. He assisted each of the goals, helping to open up an Angers defence that offered very little in the way of chances. That’s now three assists in two games since making the move from Rennes.

Angers selected player ratings

Yahia Fofana – 5

Farid El Melali – 4

Esteban Lepaul – 4

The striker has been in fine form since the start of the new year. However, this was a game where he was offered very little service. Angers struggled to get a touch on the ball and were then quickly swallowed by an aggressive counterpress.

GFFN | Nick Hartland