The clash between the two Ligue 1 giants lived up to the hype. There was drama, goals, and great play. Did OM play well and earn this result, or did OM allow 2 additional points to slip by? Click the title for Analysis and Player Ratings.

Tifo before the game, saluting the victims of the attacks in Paris. Courtesy of Fred_Tempier on Twitter.

DEFENSE

With three goals allowed, it was a poor night for the defense. Mandanda produced great saves and kept OM in the game. On the first two goals, Mandanda was abandoned by his defense, though he will be left wanting when Coenträo’s soft header managed to hit the back of the net. Dja Djédjé was strong in defense, and brought his trademark crossing and tough running to the offense. Nkoulou had an average game, where he did not make too many mistakes but did not establish dominance either.

Mandanda save in the 57th minute.

The left flank of the defense was a nightmare. Karim Rekik put out possibly his worst performance yet, where he struggled to complete tackles and passes, notably when he slipped during the 2^nd Monaco goal. He might feel relieved that he had to be subbed out in the 74^th minute when he lost a contact lens. Mendy, a fan-favorite and strong pillar of the defense, also struggled. Often caught too far up field, he delivered only a couple solid crosses and failed to stop the onslaught of Monaco attacks down his left flank. A poor game.

MIDFIELD

Diarra contributed an astonishingly typical strong performance. With his piercing runs and tough tackling, Lassana proved again that there is very little he cannot do. A true keystone upon which this team relies. Isla had an average day, providing some good tackles but failing to make a total impact. His polyvalence paid off when he filled in for Rekik. Cabella seems to be settling more and more into his role, offering several fantastic dribbles and runs. Though he failed to provide any significant passes, he certainly offered a lot to OM’s possession.

ATTACK

Alessandrini returned to action for OM, and he delivered. His goal in the 11^th minute lifted the Vélodrome to its feet. Despite a lucky rebound on the goal, he displayed incredible determination to stick with the play. Throughout the rest of the game, he attempted to create more chances, offering the cross in the 52^nd minute that led to Batshuayi’s goal. Ocampos, coming on as a sub, showed his typical struggles before he slid the ball across the penalty box, offering a pass to Nkoudou to score. Nkoudou provided piercing runs and strong play on the left, scoring a deserved goal in the 82^nd minute to tie the game up at 3-3. Yet another strong performance from the young man. Batshuayi was classic Batshuayi, providing strong play up top but still showing his limits. He terrorized the Monégasque defense with his strong runs and hold-up play. He hit the post and scored a gritty goal, but also gave possession away frequently with poor passes and dribbles. Still, a strong game for the young striker, who now has 10 goals in Ligue 1 this season.

Nkoudou goal in the 82nd minute to tie the game at 3-3. Assisted by Ocampos.

OVERALL

OM will be left with regret in a game where the attack shined and the defense fell apart. Still, if OM can stop the bleeding in the back, there are plenty of points left to make a run for a Champions League spot in a currently weaker Ligue 1. Allez l’OM !

Ratings

Mandanda – 5/10

Dja Djédjé – 6/10

Nkoulou – 4.5/10

Rekik – 2/10

Mendy – 3/10

Isla – 4.5/10

Diarra – 6.5/10

Cabella – 5.5/10

Alessandrini – 6/10

Nkoudou – 6.5/10

Batshuayi – 6/10

 

The back wall at Smithfield Hall NYC, where I watched the game with the OMNewYork fan club. Tune into omnewyork.com for details. Un jour, le monde parlera Marseillais !