Mason Greenwood scored an 82nd-minute winner against Monaco on Sunday, and sections of the French media were full of praise for the former Manchester United forward
A sense of déjà vu swept through the Stade Velodrome as Mason Greenwood once again stole the show for Marseille in another December triumph over Monaco. Almost exactly 12 months on from his previous heroics, the Manchester United academy graduate rose to the occasion to deliver the crucial blow against Les Monegasques on Sunday.
Greenwood, 24, netted the game’s only goal in the 82nd minute, pouncing on Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg’s delivery just inside the penalty area. He then unleashed a thunderous strike into the top-right corner, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters at the Velodrome.
The victory maintains Marseille’s pursuit of the Ligue 1 crown, sitting five points behind table-toppers Lens and just four adrift of reigning champions PSG. French media coverage was dominated by Greenwood’s match-winning heroics, though goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli also earned his share of the acclaim.
Le Figaro branded Greenwood “indispensable” after his late dramatics, a familiar theme following his double against Union Saint-Gilloise that secured a 3-2 Champions League victory last week. The paper’s glowing assessment read: “Lively at times, then quiet, the English striker once again produced a moment of brilliance to rescue his team.”
Rulli and Nayef Aguerd delivered their own crucial interventions in the dying moments to maintain the shutout. Once more, Foot Mercato reserved its highest praise for Greenwood following his magical intervention.
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A section from the match report read: “Under pressure for much of the match, Marseille secured this hard-fought win and can thank Rulli and Greenwood for this laborious victory.”
Le Phoceen heaped even greater plaudits on the former England international. Greenwood earned a match rating of 8.5 out of 10, matching Rulli as the top-rated performer at the Velodrome.
“Another commanding performance from Greenwood, who played with the impression that he could decide the fate of a play at will,” it said. “His first half was bursting with activity: he dropped deep, accelerated 20 metres, broke lines, and forced Monaco to defend deep.
“Even when the team was under pressure, he continued to create danger with his dribbling and changes of pace. And then there was that clinical goal: control, a quick finish, top corner, no question about it.”
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, who recently tipped Greenwood as a potential Ballon d’Or contender, revealed post-match that he had nearly substituted the winger moments before his decisive strike. He emphasised the player’s unpredictability, capable of changing the game’s momentum in an instant.
Le Meridional went even further with its praise, branding Greenwood “unstoppable,” particularly in that crucial moment. The victory ensured Marseille retained third spot in Ligue 1, made all the sweeter considering the decisive moment came against bitter rivals.
“Unstoppable, 1-0 to Marseille,” read one extract. “The goalscorer takes off his shirt in euphoria, receives a yellow card, but most importantly scores his 11th Ligue 1 goal of the season, cementing his status as the linchpin of Marseille’s attack. His 32nd goal in 49 league matches.”
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