MATCH REPORT | Sunderland 2-2 Marseille: Ismaël Koné scores on debut as Pierre-Emile Højberg makes his first start

Liam Wraith reporting from Valley Parade.

After a 3-0 victory against Pau FC, Marseille continued their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Sunderland at the Valley Parade in Bradford. The match was organised in memory of former OM owner Robert Louis-Dreyfus – the father of current Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

With few key names missing for Les Olympiens, De Zerbi had the opportunity to assess his squad. Mason Greenwood was absent from the squad as were Jordan Veretout, Ulisses Garcia and Valentin Rongier. Pierre-Emile Højberg made a return to the UK and his first start for his new club after signing on loan from Spurs.

Moumbagna gave Les Phocéens the lead in the 27th minute after a brilliant attacking move from OM. Harit was able to find space in an advanced position before threading a pass through to the Cameroonian to calmly slot home. Despite his team taking the lead, De Zerbi was clearly unhappy with his team – constantly barking orders at his players to assume their instructed roles.

Ismaël Koné came on at half-time as he replaced Amine Harit and made his Marseille debut. This also came with a change of approach with the former Watford man operating in a more advanced position alongside Moumbagna.

Sunderland soon restored parity after the break with an early ball whipped towards the back post as Dennis Cirkin arrived to head the ball home in the 51st minute. The Black Cats looked to force the issue after levelling the game and assumed control of the match.  Against the run of play, however, Ismaël Koné burst into space and danced past two players before bending his shot into the far post beyond Patterson to restore Marseille’s lead.

The Black Cats were awarded a penalty in the 81st minute with Rubén Blanco clumsily bringing down a Sunderland man in his box. Former PSG attacking midfielder Adil Aouchiche stepped up to the spot and made no mistake to level proceedings.

Marseille XI vs Sunderland

Rubén Blanco (replaced by Simon Ngapndouetnbu 87′), Quentin Merlin, Leonardo Balerdi, Bamo Meïté, Lillian Brassier, Pierre-Emile Højberg, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Luis Henrique,  Amir Murillo, Amine Harit (replaced by Ismaël Koné 45′), Faris Moumbagna (replaced by Enzo Sternal 61′).

GFFN | Liam Wraith