2 months ago
22 ARTICLE AD
Marseille's players celebrate their team's third goal during the French L1 football match between Toulouse FC and Olympique Marseille (OM) at The TFC Stadium in Toulouse, south-western France on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Matthieu RONDEL / AFP)
Two goals in the space of a minute by former Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood powered Marseille to a 3-1 victory over Toulouse on Saturday, propelling them to the top of Ligue 1.
The 22-year-old Greenwood, who scored twice on his Marseille debut against Brest a fortnight ago and once against Reims last week, struck in the 16th minute in Toulouse before adding a second just a minute later, bringing his tally to five goals in three games.
Greenwood joined Marseille last month from Old Trafford, where his career began with much promise before he was suspended in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault.
The charges were dropped by prosecutors in February 2023, and he went on to spend last season in Spain with Getafe.
Toulouse’s challenge was further complicated by the red card shown to forward Frank Magri in the 27th minute for a foul on Geoffrey Kondogbia.
Brazilian forward Luis Henrique provided the assists for both of Greenwood’s goals and thought he had scored himself seven minutes into the second half. However, Marseille’s third goal was later credited as an own goal by Charlie Cresswell.
Toulouse found some consolation just before the end when Gabon striker Shavy Babicka ran onto a through ball from Djibril Sidibe, sidestepped Geronimo Rulli, and slotted the ball into the empty net.
“We had a good first half, scoring two goals,” Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi told DAZN after the match.
“It gave us an advantage to have an extra player, and we relied on our strength in one-on-ones, particularly Greenwood, to score the brace.
“We still need to improve the speed and mentality of this team. We shouldn’t have conceded the goal; we should have won 3-0.”
De Zerbi’s side now top the table with seven points, level with Nantes, who won 3-1 away at Montpellier.
Nantes beat Montpellier
Matthis Abline put Nantes ahead after 24 minutes before Akor Adams equalised on the half-hour.
A Moses Simon penalty in added time at the end of the first half restored the visitors’ lead before Mostafa Mohamed secured the three points with a third goal five minutes from time.
“Seven points out of nine, that’s brilliant. We are super happy,” said a delighted Nantes coach Antoine Kombouaré.
Brest secured their first win of the season with a 4-0 thrashing of newly-promoted Saint-Étienne.
Mahdi Camara and Romain Del Castillo, from the penalty spot, put Brest two up at half-time, and they cruised to a comfortable win with further goals in the second half from Ludovic Ajorque and another penalty by Kenny Lala.
Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have six points, can go top of the table with a victory at Lille on Sunday.
AFP
