French Media Split on ‘Strange and Terribly Annoying’ Talent After Le Havre Heroics
It wasn’t vintage Marseille for long stretches, but it didn’t matter. All that counted in the end was Mason Greenwood’s wand of a left foot delivering once again—this time in the 85th minute, with a strike that not only silenced Le Havre but also sealed Marseille’s return to the Champions League.
Amine Gouiri may have grabbed the spotlight early with a well-taken brace, but when the game hung in the balance and nerves threatened to derail Roberto De Zerbi’s men, it was Greenwood who rose to the occasion. The former Manchester United man blasted home a thunderous left-footed strike late on to cap off a 3-0 win, booking Marseille’s ticket to next season’s elite European competition.
Greenwood Delivers the Decisive Moment… Again
The goal, his 19th of the season, didn’t just ice the match—it added another chapter to what has been a compelling, if sometimes controversial, campaign for the 23-year-old English winger. Greenwood’s impact in France has been undeniable. He’s second only to Ousmane Dembélé in the Golden Boot race, and his knack for turning moments into match-winning ones has become a theme for.
Against Le Havre, Greenwood was typically enigmatic. There were moments where he seemed out of sync, drifting in and out of the game. And yet, when it mattered, there he was—cutting inside on his favoured left foot and lashing an unstoppable shot past Matthieu Gorgelin. The timing, the precision, the force—it was vintage Greenwood.
His effort didn’t just kill off Le Havre’s hopes of a late comeback. It sparked a celebration that had been weeks in the making. Marseille will now return to the Champions League, a competition that fits their stature and one that their fans have been craving.
French Media Reactions: Divided but Intrigued
The French press had its say after the match, and as has often been the case with Greenwood this season, opinions were mixed.
L’Equipe, ever the stern marker, handed Greenwood a 6 out of 10. Their summary? “Another strange performance from the English winger, who often favoured individual solutions and who retreated at his own pace, regularly jogging in the second half. Sometimes terribly annoying, he also has undeniable talent, and he gave his team victory with a sharp left-footed strike (85th).”
It’s a critique that will ring familiar for anyone who’s followed Greenwood’s career closely—drifting between moments of brilliance and spells of disengagement. The verdict: frustrating but ultimately effective.
By contrast, local Marseille outlet Le Phoceen were far more generous, awarding him an 8.5/10. “The former Mancunian created the most dangerous chances for Marseille. And most importantly, he saved his team from a 1-1 draw with a marvellous strike that Matthieu Gorgelin could do nothing about. The goal sent OM into the Champions League!”
It’s this kind of dichotomy—dividing pundits, uniting fans—that has defined Greenwood’s renaissance in Ligue 1.
Fans Can’t Get Enough
While journalists debated the nuances of his performance, Marseille supporters and casual fans online were far more emphatic in their praise.
“I’ll choose him over every other player walking this planet when it comes to striking the ball from different angles to finish,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “No player walking this planet ever comes close.”
Another added: “The way he strikes the ball is so powerful. That left leg is one of the best in the world.”
And it’s not just Marseille fans who are watching. Manchester United supporters, perhaps watching from a distance with mixed emotions, are also paying attention. One commented: “This guy is crushing it over there.”
It’s clear Greenwood still evokes a reaction—and right now, those reactions are overwhelmingly positive from a footballing perspective.
Gouiri the Unsung Hero as De Zerbi’s Tactics Shine
While Greenwood’s goal capped the performance, it was Amine Gouiri who laid the groundwork. The French forward’s two goals either side of half-time gave Marseille the breathing room they needed before Greenwood’s thunderbolt put the result beyond doubt.
Roberto De Zerbi deserves his share of credit as well. The Italian tactician has transformed Marseille’s attacking play, injecting pace and fluidity. While his side were far from flawless at Le Havre—especially during a nervy 20-minute spell after halftime—the manager made the right adjustments. Luiz Felipe was introduced in the 89th minute, shifting OM into a more defensive shape to see the game out cleanly.
With one game remaining, De Zerbi will now be targeting a second-place finish in Ligue 1. A win at home to Rennes on May 17 would secure just that—giving Marseille a direct path into the Champions League group stage and allowing them to avoid the early qualification rounds.
A Season of Questions and Answers
Greenwood’s presence at Marseille has sparked headlines beyond football, but on the pitch, the English forward has done exactly what was asked of him. He has delivered goals—some beautiful, some scrappy—and most importantly, results.
This wasn’t his flashiest performance of the season. There were long spells where he seemed to coast. But when it counted, his technical brilliance and unteachable confidence made the difference.
It’s that paradox that French media are trying to reconcile: Greenwood the wanderer vs. Greenwood the match-winner. “Strange and terribly annoying” might not be a glowing review, but when the outcome is victory and Champions League football, Marseille fans won’t mind one bit.
One More Step to Glory
With Champions League qualification secured, Marseille have already achieved a significant goal. But finishing the season with a flourish remains vital—not just for positioning, but for momentum.
If Greenwood can add another strike to his tally against Rennes and maybe even pip Dembélé to the Golden Boot, it would be a fitting end to a rollercoaster season. But even if he doesn’t, his contribution is already etched into Marseille folklore.
He arrived with questions. He’ll finish the season with answers—and perhaps, even more to come.
