Greenwood’s Double Fires Marseille to Top of Ligue 1
Mason Greenwood’s blistering start to his Marseille career continued on Saturday as the former Manchester United striker fired two goals in a minute to propel his new club to a 3-1 victory over Toulouse. The 22-year-old, who has now scored five goals in three games for Marseille, pounced on a loose ball in the 16th minute and added a second a minute later to give the visitors a commanding lead.
Greenwood’s goals came after a promising start for Toulouse, who had created several chances in the opening minutes. However, the hosts’ hopes were dealt a blow when forward Frank Magri was sent off for a foul on Geoffrey Kondogbia in the 27th minute.
Marseille took full advantage of their numerical superiority, with Brazilian forward Luis Henrique providing the assists for both of Greenwood’s goals. Henrique thought he had scored himself seven minutes into the second half, but the goal was later awarded as an own goal to Charlie Cresswell.
Toulouse managed to find some consolation just before the end when Gabon striker Shavy Babicka slotted home a through ball from Djibril Sidibe. However, it was too little too late for the hosts, who remain winless after three games.
Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi praised his team’s performance in the first half but admitted that they need to improve their speed and mentality. “We had a good first half, scoring two goals,” 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, should have won 3-0.”
Marseille’s victory takes them to the top of the Ligue 1 table with seven points, level with Nantes who won 3-1 away at Montpellier. Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, who have six points, can go top of the table with victory at Lille on Sunday.
