Metz 0-3 Marseille Player Ratings: Matt O'Riley Rated 9.5/10 as Marseille Cruise to a 3-0 Victory

A ruthless second-half display saw Olympique Marseille dismantle a struggling Metz side, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory in this Ligue 1 encounter. The first half was a surprisingly cagey affair. Marseille dominated possession but couldn't quite find the killer touch in the final third.

We watched as Mason Greenwood came agonizingly close, striking the woodwork not once, but twice. From our perspective, it felt like it was only a matter of time. Metz, for their part, showed brief flashes on the counter but lacked the quality to truly trouble the visitors' defense.

The floodgates opened shortly after the restart. Igor Paixão broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, and from there, Marseille never looked back. The brilliant Matt O'Riley added a second before turning provider for substitute Amine Gouiri to wrap up a comprehensive win that was, in the end, thoroughly deserved.

Here are Metz Vs Marseille Player Ratings

Marseille Player Ratings vs Metz

Here are Marseille Player Ratings vs Metz

Goalkeeper

Gerónimo Rulli - 7.0: A very quiet evening for the Marseille shot-stopper, which is a testament to his team's dominance. He was called into action once, making a solid save from Hein in the second half. His distribution was nearly perfect, showing great composure. What stood out to us was his concentration despite having little to do.

Defenders

Nayef Aguerd - 7.0: A composed and untroubled performance at the heart of the defense. He was tidy in possession, boasting a 95% pass accuracy, and made a few important clearances. He won the majority of his duels and never looked flustered. From our perspective, it was a classic, no-nonsense display from the defender.

Timothy Weah - 6.0: A mixed bag for Weah, who was solid enough defensively but offered little spark going forward. He worked hard and won a decent number of tackles but we noticed he lost possession a few times in promising areas. Not his most influential game, but he fulfilled his defensive duties adequately before being substituted.

Benjamin Pavard - 7.5: A very proactive and impressive performance. He was a rock at the back, reading the game beautifully to make four interceptions. What really caught our eye was his offensive contribution, including a header that cannoned off the woodwork. He was a constant presence at both ends of the pitch.

Emerson - 7.0: A solid and energetic performance from the fullback. He was a willing runner down the flank, providing an outlet and delivering a few dangerous crosses. Defensively, he was sound and won his tackles cleanly. We were impressed by his work rate throughout the 90 minutes.

Midfielders

Angel Gomes - 6.5: A tidy but ultimately frustrating performance. Gomes missed a big chance early in the game that he really should have buried. He kept the ball moving well but lacked that decisive pass or shot before he was taken off. We expected a little more impact from him in the final third.

Mason Greenwood - 7.0: The unluckiest player on the pitch. To hit the woodwork twice in one match is just cruel. He was a livewire, taking five shots and always looking to create something. His final product wasn't quite there, but his movement and intent were a constant problem for the Metz defense.

Igor Paixão - 8.5: He was the man who unlocked the game with a brilliantly taken goal. His direct running and willingness to take on defenders caused chaos. He was sharp, inventive, and fully deserved his goal. A fantastic performance before being given a well-earned rest.

Matt O'Riley - 9.5: Simply sensational. Our man of the match, without a doubt. He scored a sublime goal from distance, provided a clever assist for the third, and created two other big chances. He controlled the game with his incredible vision and passing range. An absolutely masterful midfield display and our highest-rated player.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg - 8.0: The captain led by example. He was the metronome in midfield, dictating the tempo with an immense 96% pass accuracy. He broke up play effectively and was a calming presence throughout. From our perspective, his control and leadership were vital to Marseille's dominance.

Forwards

Robinio Vaz - 7.5: Had a significant impact before his game was cruelly cut short by injury. He provided a smart assist for the opening goal and his clever movement created other big chances. It was a real shame to see him go off; he looked incredibly sharp and was a handful for the defense.

Substitutes

Amine Gouiri - 8.0: What an impact. Came on and immediately got involved, setting up O'Riley's goal before scoring one himself. A clinical and game-changing cameo.

Leonardo Balerdi - 6.5: Slotted in seamlessly to help see out the game. Kept it simple and effective.

Amir Murillo - N/A: Not on long enough to make a significant impact.

Bilal Nadir - N/A: Came on late with the game already won.

Arthur Vermeeren - N/A: A late substitute to run down the clock.

Manager

R. De Zerbi - 8.5: His game plan was executed to perfection. He kept faith in his team's approach after a frustrating first half, and it paid off handsomely. His substitutions were spot on, particularly the introduction of Gouiri. A tactical masterclass that secured a dominant victory.

Metz Player Ratings vs Olympique

Here are Metz Player Ratings vs Olympique

Goalkeeper

Jonathan Fischer - 7.0: It might seem strange to rate a keeper highly after he conceded three, but Fischer was the reason this wasn't a 6-0 drubbing. He made six saves, some of which were top-class stops from close range. He was let down by the defenders in front of him. A valiant effort in a losing cause.

Defenders

Jean-Philippe Gbamin - N/A: His evening ended after just 21 minutes due to an unfortunate injury. Impossible to rate him based on such a short appearance.

T. Yegbe - 5.0: A very difficult night for the defender. He struggled to cope with the movement of Marseille's attackers and looked overwhelmed, particularly in the second half. He lost key duels and was part of a backline that was pulled apart far too easily.

Sadibou Sané - 5.5: He made a couple of important clearances and tackles, but like his partners, he was ultimately chasing shadows. He was dribbled past on one occasion and struggled to impose himself on the game. A tough learning experience against a top side.

Midfielders

Boubacar Traoré - 5.5: Completely overrun in the midfield battle. While he recovered the ball nine times, he also made a costly error that led to a shot. He couldn't get a foothold and was bypassed with ease by O'Riley and Højbjerg. A passenger for large parts of the game.

Jessy Deminguet - 6.0: Showed good passing accuracy but it was all too safe. He failed to provide any sort of forward thrust or creativity from midfield. Worked hard off the ball but was largely ineffective in possession. We were left wanting more from him.

Koffi Kouao - 5.5: A really tough evening. He was dribbled past twice and struggled in his duels against Marseille's fluid attackers. He tried to get forward but his efforts were fruitless. Another player who was simply outclassed on the day.

Fodé Ballo-Touré - 6.0: One of the few Metz players who showed a bit of fight. He won five duels and made a few decent tackles. However, he was still part of a midfield that was comprehensively beaten and offered little going forward.

Forwards

Gauthier Hein - 6.0: The captain tried to spark something for his side. He forced a good save from Rulli with a shot from distance. But from our perspective, he gave the ball away too cheaply on several occasions and struggled to link up with his isolated striker.

Cheikh Sabaly - 6.0: A hard-working but fruitless performance. He drew a couple of fouls and tried to make things happen, but he lacked the quality to make a real impact. He was often on the periphery of the game.

Habib Diallo - 4.5: A truly miserable performance. He was completely isolated up front, winning just two of his eleven duels. He lost possession nine times and offered absolutely no threat. From our view, he was the worst performer on the pitch by a considerable margin.

Substitutes

Maxime Colin - 6.0: Came on for the injured Gbamin and did his best, but the tide was already against his team.

Alpha Touré - N/A: Little time to influence the game.

Giorgi Tsitaishvili - N/A: Had one wide shot but couldn't change the outcome.

Brian Madjo - N/A: Brought on when the match was already over as a contest.

Manager

S. Le Mignan - 5.0: His team started with a decent defensive shape but had no answer once Marseille stepped up the intensity. They were tactically outthought and outclassed across the park. The substitutions made no difference, and the team looked completely defeated long before the final whistle.

Sportsdunia's Player of the match is Matt O'Riley