Jordan Ayew's second-half goal has helped Marseille to a 1-0 win over Lille at the Stade Velodrome.
Nolan Roux had a great chance to open the scoring for Les Dogues in the second minute when he was picked out by Florent Balmont, but failed to work Steve Mandanda with his close-range header.
Mickael Landreau was kept busy in the opening stages as Les Phoceens laid siege to the visitors' goal. The veteran keeper was called upon to deny Andre Ayew, Benoit Cheyrou and Mathieu Valbuena in quick succession.
Roux had two more chances to open the scoring before the break, but Mandanda was on hand both times to deny him.
Rudi Garcia saw his team reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time, with Balmont seeing red for a dangerous tackle on Valbuena.
Things got worse for them after the break, as Jordan Ayew headed home Valbuena's cross to put his team in front just moments after the restart.
Elie Baup's men went on to see out victory and go level on points with Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1.
Michael Penkman
