Metz – OM (0-3): Marseille confirm their rise and show the maturity of real contenders

A dominant but patient OM before the breakthrough

On the drenched pitch of Saint-Symphorien, OM first imposed its rhythm without managing to break Metz’s lock. For forty-five minutes, the Olympians monopolized possession, pressed high, and smothered Metz, without finding the way through. Greenwood hit the post, Gomes missed the target, Vaz charged into space: the technical superiority was obvious, but the finishing was still lacking.

“Last year, we might have lost this match,” De Zerbi would later admit. And that’s exactly the difference: this team didn’t panic. No signs of frustration, no unnecessary gestures — just a quiet conviction that the lock would eventually give way. With Höjbjerg conducting and Pavard-Aguerd commanding at the back, Marseille managed the game like a top side.

The second half of a team brimming with confidence

As they came back from the locker room, the machine started up again. Paixão, already a scorer against Ajax, lit the fuse: a shot deflected by Sané, 1–0, a logical breakthrough. The Brazilian, on a rapid ascent, netted his third goal in a week. That goal changed everything: Metz dropped back, Marseille was freed.

Moments later, O’Riley, omnipresent and precise with every touch, scored the second after a perfect assist from Gouiri. The Dane confirmed his status as the metronome, combining vision and composure. And as a symbol of the group’s depth, Gouiri, who had just come on, sealed the 3–0 with a gem: a feint, a quick one-two with O’Riley, a clinical finish. In twenty-five minutes, OM wrapped it up.

Iron defense, commanding midfield, inspired attack

While the attack shone, the defensive foundation remained the key to success. Rulli exuded calm authority: rarely called upon but always steady. In front of him, Pavard and Aguerd laid down the law, Emerson and Weah locked down the flanks. In midfield, Höjbjerg once again stood out: an exemplary captain with huge work rate and relentless pressing. Beside him, O’Riley provided perfect balance, able to dictate the tempo and push forward intelligently.

Up front, Greenwood hit the woodwork twice — proof that his time will come; Vaz, starting for the first time, delivered a promising performance: movement, battles, an assist. De Zerbi brought him in for his pace and ability to stretch play — and he didn’t disappoint.

De Zerbi, the maestro of a metamorphosis

Since his arrival, Roberto De Zerbi has been shaping a new OM: demanding, methodical, collective. His post-match analysis sums up his philosophy: “Patience is crucial: if you lose your balance, you lose the game.” Under his guidance, Marseille is learning to blend intensity with control, to play smart rather than just fast. This maturity, absent last season, is becoming the hallmark of De Zerbismo: occupying space, pressing intelligently, finishing without losing shape.

The Italian embraces rotation, keeps competition alive, and ensures everyone stays involved: O’Riley, Paixão, Gouiri, Greenwood, Gomes, Vermeeren… so many different cards in a hand that no longer trembles.

A victory that symbolizes an OM on a new level

This 3–0, clear and decisive, says it all about a club in transformation. A few months ago, OM might have settled for a labored win; today, they control games like leaders. Four consecutive victories in all competitions, a dazzling attack (15 goals in the streak), an ironclad defense: Marseille is now looking upward.

The international break arrives at the right time: it will allow De Zerbi to get Kondogbia and Traoré back while reinforcing the chemistry of a team in full harmony. But in everyone’s mind, one certainty takes root: this OM is playing for the title.

Saint-Symphorien will remember it: the Marseille leader passed by — and left nothing behind.

Three goals, fluent play, control, and that sense of order and confidence that only great teams exude. OM moves forward, true to its motto: humility in attitude, greatness in play.