Marseille keeps on marching
Marseille preserved their unbeaten record in Ligue 1 thanks to goals from Mamadou Niang and Brandao as Le Mans suffered their first home defeat of the season.
With summer signing Lucho Gonzalez making his debut in an attacking midfield role, Marseille were eager to stay within striking distance of top spot and they made an ideal start.
Only 13 minutes had passed when Brazilian Brandao pulled the ball back for captain Niang to rattle home a right-footed half-volley from inside the penalty area.
Didier Deschamps' side pushed for a second goal but Benoit Cheyrou's 25-yard shot cleared the home side's crossbar.
Le Mans threatened seriously for the first time in the 37th minute when Sebastien Corchia's corner found the head of Anthony Le Tallec.
However, the former Liverpool striker's attempt went narrowly wide of the left post with Steve Mandanda seemingly beaten in the Marseille goal.
Marseille had a decent chance to double their lead just before half-time when Taye Taiwo crossed and Niang pulled the ball back for Lucho. The Argentinian attempted a shot on the turn but could not direct his effort on target.
A warning for Marseille came in the 56th minute when Le Tallec's well-struck shot rebounded off Mandanda's left post.
Marseille had another chance to pull two goals clear three minutes later when Niang, left alone in front of goal, missed the target.
And Le Mans drew level two minutes later when Corchia and Le Tallec combined to set up Modibo Maiga whose acrobatic finish deceived Mandanda.
But parity lasted just eight minutes.
Marseille were awarded a free-kick on the right and Cheyrou's delivery was perfect for Brandao who made space at the far post and directed a powerful header above Didier Ovono and into the top of the net, for the match-winner.
Marseille now have 11 points from five matches, with Le Mans in the lower reaches of the table on four points.
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