Crisis-hit Marseille at rock bottom

PARIS (AFP) – French champions Marseille, racked by on-pitch uncertainty and dressing room dissent, slumped to a 3-2 defeat at Valenciennes on Saturday, a loss which sent then spinning to the foot of the table.

The champions had opened the defence of their title last weekend with an embarrassing 2-1 defeat against promoted Caen at their Stade Velodrome home.

With striker Mamadou Niang expected to leave for Fenerbahce in Turkey this week and rebel midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa courted by English Premier League Newcastle, things got steadily worse for Didier Deschamps’ side.

Despite dominating the first half against Valenciennes, they were unable to break through with Niang, who was eventually substituted, wasting his side’s best chance when he had a shot saved by keeper Nicolas Penneteau.

Valenciennes took control with two goals in six minutes early in the second half.

Gael Danic opened the scoring in the 46th minute beating Steve Mandanda in the Marseille goal after being set up by David Ducourtioux.

Gregory Pujol then grabbed his first of the night with a header, again from Ducourtioux’s reliable supply line, before adding his second on the hour mark following a breakaway down the flank by Cameroon defender Gaeten Bong.

Marseille launched a belated fightback with Nigerian international Taye Taiwo converting an 81st minute penalty after Andre Aywe had been brought down by Penneteau.

Ayew then cut the deficit further three minutes later with a fierce drive through a packed penalty area.

Valenciennes held on, however, to record a second home win over Marseille in two seasons and deepen Deschamps’s gloom.

The win lifted Valenciennes into a share of top spot with four points alongside Rennes who lead the way on goal difference.

Rennes won 3-0 at Nancy thanks to second-half goals from Victor Montano, Yacine Brahimi and Ismael Bangoura.

Nice also have four points and are in third place after a 2-1 success at Lorient.

Yann Jouffre gave Lorient the lead after 10 minutes but Ismael Gace immediately levelled for Nice.

Loic Remy, linked with a move to Stoke City in England last week, grabbed the winner in the 69th minute with a smooth finish from a free-kick.

On Sunday, Paris St Germain, who started the weekend in pole position, can retake top spot with victory at Lille.

Former champions Lyon are at Caen while Bordeaux welcome Toulouse.