Alexis Sanchez and Marseille frustrated by Lorient

Alexis Sanchez struggled to impact the game as Olympique de Marseille were held to a goalless draw by FC Lorient at the Stade du Mustoir on Sunday night.
FC Lorient 0-0 Olympique de Marseille

THE MATCH

Leonardo Balerdi returned to Marseille’s starting line-up following suspension but he nearly gifted Lorient a goal with Romain Faivre though on goal after his mis-control, but Samuel Gigot recovered to take the sting out of his shot and Pau Lopez collected comfortably (6′). Cengiz Under then tested Vito Mannone at the other end, the former Arsenal man equal to the Turkey winger’s attempt (12′). A Balerdi clearance soon after only got as far as Faivre, he had another go, but he again failed to test Lopez (21′). Balerdi, having looked so shaky in his own box, then tried to get things going in Lorient’s, but he fired off target after and Under free-kick (39′) and it was goalless at the break.

Deadlock intact

The second half started slowly but spring into life just inside the hour when Sead Kolasinac got around the back and drilled a low cross in for Alexis Snchez, but Montassar Talbi did brilliantly to quell the danger with a last-gasp tackle (59′). Bamba Dieng came close to opening the scoring against his former club soon after, getting the break of the ball in the box and letting fly on the turn, but Lopez saved well (63′). Nuno Tavares then sent an effort high on his weaker right foot at the other end (67′). Ibrahima Koné might have snatched all three points for Lorient at the death after being played through, but Lopez raced off his line to clear (88′) and it ended 0-0.

THE PLAYER: Pau Lopez

Lopez saved all five shots on his goal on Sunday. It may have been a night to forget for the Spaniard and his team, but on an individual level, he continues to impress. Lopez has previously admitted his admiration of long-time OM captain Steve Mandanda – now of Stade Rennais FC – and performances like this do him proud.

THE STAT: 7

This was the first time in seven meetings that Lorient have avoided defeat to Marseille. Les Merlus haven’t beaten les Phocéens since April 2015, when they won a thrilling encounter at the Orange Vélodrome 5-3. Both Ayew brothers were on target that day – André for OM, and Jordan, twice, for Lorient.