PSG's Slump: Marseille's Victory Raises Questions

Marseille's 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain on September 22 was notable, but might have initially been viewed as a one-off for the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

PSG's attacking woes have been a concern, with the team managing just one goal in their last two league games...

's 1-0 win over on September 22 was a notable upset, but it could have been dismissed as a one-off loss for the champions. PSG dominated the game with 68% possession, had 12 shots compared to Marseille's five, and completed an impressive 95% of their passes.

Despite their dominance, PSG has struggled in Ligue 1 this season. They have drawn three of their last four league games, including a 1-1 draw against Lorient and a late equalizer against Strasbourg. As a result, PSG's lead at the top of the table has narrowed, with Marseille and Lens just two points behind.

PSG's attacking woes have been a concern, with the team managing just one goal in their last two league games. Their forwards, including and , have struggled to find form, and the team's reliance on Gonçalo Ramos has been evident. Despite their struggles, PSG remains top of the table, but their challengers are closing in.

The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for PSG, with matches against Lyon, , and in the next few weeks. If PSG can navigate these games successfully, they may be able to extend their lead at the top of the table. However, if they continue to drop points, their challengers may sense an opportunity to take the title race to the final day of the season.

PSG's inability to score goals has been a surprise, given their impressive possession statistics. They have averaged 72.5% possession in Ligue 1 this season and have dominated many of their matches. However, their opponents' deep defensive setups have blunted their attack, and the team has struggled to create clear-cut chances.

PSG's League Stutter

PSG still top the league in France, but recent results might raise some concerns. Despite dominating Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 in the and beating Barcelona 2-1, they've struggled in the league lately.

PSG's lead at the top has narrowed due to recent draws against Lille, Lorient, and Strasbourg. They're now just two points ahead of Marseille and Lens, with Lille, Monaco, and Lyon only two points further back. This has given these clubs genuine hope of keeping pace with the reigning champions and potentially overhauling them later in the season.

De Zerbi's Marseille in Form

Marseille's impressive form shouldn't come as a surprise under 's management. The team tops the league in goals scored with 25, led by 's seven goals. Greenwood's tally is impressive, with only Rennes' Esteban Lepaul (eight) and Strasbourg's Joaquin Panichelli (nine) scoring more in the league this season.

Mason Greenwood scored four goals against Le Havre this season, showcasing Marseille's potent attack under De Zerbi. In that match, Marseille dominated with 11 shots on target, 70% possession, and 621 passes compared to Le Havre's 174, with a 95% pass completion rate. Marseille's strong form has been a hallmark of their season, but the question remains whether they can sustain this level of performance as the campaign progresses.

Marseille's Title Chances

Marseille's second-place finish last season, 19 points behind PSG, belies their actual proximity to the mid-table teams. They were only a few points ahead of ninth-place Brest, indicating a relatively tight league. With experienced professionals like Emerson, Benjamin Pavard, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Marseille's squad has a great balance. Staying injury-free will be crucial for them to contend for the top spot.

Key Factors for Success

Marseille's squad depth and experience are significant advantages. Their wing-backs, Emerson and Pavard, offer attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Aubameyang's clinical finishing and Hojbjerg's midfield control are valuable assets. If Marseille can maintain their form and avoid injuries, they have a good chance of challenging for the title.

Current Standings

Marseille currently sits second in Ligue 1 with 22 points from 11 matches, just two points behind leaders PSG. They have a strong goal-scoring record, with Mason Greenwood already notching seven goals this season.

PSG remains a top contender for the French title, given their experience and success in the league. This current side is known for their confident and stylish play, showcasing their skill in various matches. Under Luis Enrique's management, the team has demonstrated impressive cohesion. Their strength in depth is a key factor that sets them apart from other teams. For any challengers to mount a serious title bid, recruiting well in the could be crucial to keeping pace with PSG in the second half of the season.

Surprising Goal Scorers

Lille and Monaco have both scored 23 goals in the league this season, outpacing PSG. Lille's notable achievement includes a recent draw against PSG, where Ethan Mbappé scored against his former team in front of his brother Kylian. Despite not receiving the same level of attention as PSG, Lille and Monaco have been clinical in front of goal, showcasing their attacking prowess. Their ability to score goals could pose a threat to PSG's title ambitions.

Lille and Monaco have outscored PSG

With 23 goals apiece in the league this season, Lille and Monaco have also outscored PSG to date.

A couple of big wins notwithstanding, Lille's undoubted highlight would've been holding the Parisiens to a recent draw, with Ethan Mbappe scoring against his old side and in front of brother, Kylian, who was celebrating in the stands.

's Lille side has been solid in many matches, but the team's performances haven't fully showcased the impact of 's signing yet. However, the French legend did make his mark by becoming Lille's oldest scorer at 38 years, 10 months, and 18 days old after scoring in his first game for the club.

Ansu Fati's Resurgence

has finally rediscovered his form at Monaco, showcasing the talent that impressed Barcelona. With five goals already for his new club, he's leading the charge and helping Monaco's title push.

Monaco has started the season strongly, both domestically and in Europe, with notable draws against top teams like Manchester City and Tottenham in the Champions League. Their performance in the league has also been impressive, although a recent unexpected loss to Paris FC prevented them from climbing to second place. Monaco's current form suggests they could be serious contenders in both competitions. They recently secured a 1-0 win over Toulouse in Ligue 1 and also won their Champions League match against Bodo/Glimt with a 1-0 score.

Monaco's attacking lineup has been bolstered by the contributions of Maghnes Akliouche, Takumi Minamino, and Folarin Balogun, who have complemented Ansu Fati's excellent form up front. The team's solid midfield, marshaled by Sebastien Pocognoli, and their back three have made them a tough opponent. With PSG facing tough fixtures against Monaco and Lille in the coming weeks, the title race is heating up.

PSG's Slump: Marseille's Victory Raises Questions