An energetic win over Le Havre kicked off the new year for Marseille in style at the Vélodrome on Sunday evening. Whilst Le Havre went into the game having not won any of their last four matches in Ligue 1 McDonald's, there was certainly a feeling that they would set up to disrupt Roberto De Zerbi's side. It has been the case with OM at the Vélodrome this season where Les Olympiens have struggled to break down defensively solid sides.

The likes of Reims and Auxerre came to Marseille and managed to exploit the defensive fragilities of OM. Yet in De Zerbi's mind, attacking pace and rhythm is the best form of defence. Recent wins against compact midfields such as Monaco, and Saint-Étienne in the Coupe de France have provided a new blueprint for the Italian tactician

Following the huge win over Le Havre, Marseille have scored at least five goals three times so far this season. OM haven't been able to do that in their previous 117 games in Ligue 1 McDonald's.

The old cliché rings true once more. Against teams that set up to disrupt Marseille's passing patterns through midfield, having the efficiency and decisiveness in front of goal was crucial for De Zerbi's men to kick things off in the right way against Le Havre. The side from Normandy had actually begun the game bravely trying to compact the midfield areas. There was some initial promise as the HAC midfield cut out passes and threatened in the early periods of the first half on the counter-attack.

LOSC Lille was in celebration mode in November when the club commemorated its 80th anniversary with a 1-0 win over Stade Rennais. Before securing the three points though, Lille supporters revealed a tifo with club legends as their way to honor the players who have come through during these 80 years.