PLAYER RATINGS | Marseille 2-2 Brighton: João Pedro earns Brighton late draw at Vélodrome
UEFA Europa League, Matchday 2, 05/10/2023
Olympique de Marseille let a two-goal lead slip against Brighton & Hove Albion, as João Pedro’s late penalty salvaged a point for the visitors, their first of the UEFA Europa League campaign.
Brighton had plenty of possession in the opening stages, but couldn’t build through the thirds. The ball therefore circulated around the defence, which Marseille were happy to allow. With what little they had of the ball, OM were effective, creating dangerous situations and two notable chances, both of which were finished with aplomb.
Chancel Mbemba finished the first (19′), latching onto Jonathan Clauss’ ball across the box, and just seconds later, Jordan Veretout finished the second (20′). This time it was the lively Amine Harit with the assist. Brighton were almost handed an immediate route back into the tie when the referee was sent to the monitor for a Valentin Rongier handball within the Marseille box. Whilst a penalty had seemingly been signalled, the referee’s original decision of no penalty was upheld.
As the half wore on, Brighton grew into the game and began to create chances. One fell to Ansu Fati, but his header was well saved by Pau Lopez. The Spaniard was called upon again before the end of the half. Danny Welbeck was played through 1-v-1 and had Fati with him. He didn’t elect to use the Barcelona loanee, instead shooting straight at Lopez.
However, there was reason for optimism for Brighton going into half-time, and early in the second half, the deficit was halved. Following a neat interchange involving Tariq Lamptey and Kaoru Mitoma, the latter crossed for Pascal Gross, who was completely marked and kept his composure to finish past Lopez.
Brighton then pushed for the
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