Ligue 1 2020/21: Marseille vs Metz

Marseille came into this game off the back of a bad run, having taken just one point from their previous two games. However, they managed to beat PSG in a tense game full of problems in matchday three, which shows that they have a team capable of competing against top teams. Having now achieved eight points in five games, they need to step their game up if they want to compete well in the UEFA Champions League.

On the other hand, Metz had won their previous game but had lost their first three games. It has to be said though, that the games they had were mainly against contenders to end up in the first places of Ligue 1. These games were decided by fine margins though, which proves that they were able to compete against these superior teams.

The match between these teams ended 1-1, with Metz going ahead first. Marseille managed to draw in the last minute and deservedly so, as they were the better team throughout the game.

In this tactical analysis, we will observe the tactics used by both teams and how these changed over the game. In this analysis, we will see how Marseille, which is the superior team, planned their game against Metz, who aimed to be the surprise of the day.

Lineups

Marseille started with a strong team in a 4-1-4-1 with the two Japanese players Hiroki Sakai and Yuto Nagatomo as full-backs. Above them were Florian Thauvin and Dimitri Payet, both players of a high level. In the middle were Boubacar Kamara, as a defensive midfielder, with Morgan Sanson and Valentin Rongier in front of him. The attack was led by Darío Benedetto.

Metz played a 4-4-1-1 with Farid Boulaya linking up the midfield and the striker. Up front was Ibrahima Niane and to his sides were Opa Nguette and Habib Maïga. Then, the defence was made up by Matthieu Udol and Fabien Centonze as full-backs with the help of John Boye and Dylan Bronn as centre-backs.