Amine Gouiri and Himad Abdelli shine as Marseille secure crucial win at Angers

Amine Gouiri responded to criticism from his coach with a goal, while fellow Algeria international Himad Abdelli also scored as Marseille claimed an important victory away to Angers at the Stade Raymond-Kopa.

Gouiri, who had been questioned over his commitment in front of goal before the match, delivered an improved performance to help Marseille strengthen their position, while Abdelli continued his impressive start to the season with another influential display in midfield.

The two Algerians made decisive contributions to the result, with Abdelli bringing Marseille level before Gouiri converted a penalty on the rebound to give his side a two-goal advantage.

For Gouiri, the performance provided a timely response after criticism from the coaching staff.

Abdelli, meanwhile, further underlined his growing importance to the team under coach Bruno Genesio.

Abdelli brings Marseille level with powerful header

Marseille had to work their way back into the contest after the opening exchanges, but Abdelli helped shift the momentum with a well-timed equaliser in the 37th minute.

The midfielder connected with a cross from Egan Riley and powered his header beyond goalkeeper Anthony Lopes to make it 1-1.

The goal continued Abdelli’s encouraging run of performances since establishing himself in Genesio’s plans.

His ability to contribute in attack while maintaining his responsibilities in midfield has made him an increasingly important member of the Marseille squad.

Abdelli’s impact was particularly significant on his return to Angers, where he had previously played and captained the team.

His familiarity with the club added another dimension to the occasion, but his performance showed how much his role has developed since moving to Marseille.

Gouiri also made his presence felt throughout the match, regularly troubling the Angers defence and creating opportunities as Marseille looked to take control.

In the 22nd minute, the forward connected with a cross from Weah, but an Angers defender blocked his volley before Lopes gathered the loose ball.

Gouiri had another opportunity in the 42nd minute, only for Lopes to save his effort and prevent the striker from getting on the scoresheet before half-time.

Gouiri answers criticism with decisive penalty

Gouiri’s most important contribution came in the 60th minute, when he won a penalty after being fouled inside the box by Yassin Belkhdim.

The Marseille forward initially saw his spot-kick saved by Lopes, who guessed correctly and stopped the first attempt.

However, Gouiri reacted quickly to the rebound and drove the ball into the net to complete the move.

The goal gave Marseille a two-goal lead and offered a clear response to the concerns raised about his recent performances.

The striker had been criticised by his coach for what was described as a “lack of commitment in the opposition’s penalty area.”

His display against Angers showed greater involvement, with his movement, pressing and repeated attempts on goal making him a constant threat.

Rather than allowing the earlier criticism to affect him, Gouiri responded with a performance that helped Marseille secure the result.

His contribution was not limited to the penalty, as he continued to seek opportunities and put pressure on the Angers defence throughout the encounter.

Abdelli credits Genesio for his progress

Abdelli has spoken openly about the influence Genesio has had on his development, saying that conversations with the coach have helped him play with greater freedom.

“I struggled last season, it was complicated, maybe I put too much pressure on myself because I love OM, but the coach freed me up. We talked, he gives me a lot of freedom on the pitch,” said Abdelli.

The midfielder also emphasised his willingness to adapt to whatever role the manager requires.

“Even if he plays me at full-back, I play full-back! I’m a different player,” promises the former Le Havre player, who, it should be noted, did everything he could during the off-season, notably working with a personal trainer this summer.

His improved performances have followed a summer spent working on his fitness, with the results becoming increasingly visible as the campaign has progressed.

Abdelli emerges as one of Genesio’s most trusted players

Abdelli’s growing influence is reflected in the amount of playing time he has received.

He has become Genesio’s most-used outfield player and, alongside Jeffrey De Lange, is the only player to have started every match, according to the supplied report.

Before the trip to Angers, Genesio had already praised the midfielder’s stamina, technical ability and contribution to the team’s balance.

“Himad has the stamina to play a string of games. He brings technical control, he wins back possession. We’re satisfied with his start to the season. He provides a good link between defense and attack,” the Marseille coach stressed on Saturday during the same press conference where he took a swipe at Gouiri.

The performance against Angers gave both Algerians an opportunity to demonstrate their value.

Abdelli delivered another strong midfield display and scored the equaliser, while Gouiri responded to criticism by contributing a crucial goal.

Their contributions offered Marseille an important boost, with both players showing why they have become significant figures in Genesio’s plans.

For Gouiri, the challenge will be to maintain the commitment and attacking threat he demonstrated against Angers.

Abdelli, meanwhile, will look to build on his consistency and continue his rise as one of Marseille’s most trusted players.