MARSEILLE // The Marseille coach Eric Gerets believes the title race is wide open after his side beat Valenciennes to put them a point behind Ligue 1 leaders Lyon. Les Gones' 2-2 draw against Lille on Saturday left the door open for Marseille to narrow the gap and 24 hours later they did just that with a 3-1 win with goals from Baky Kone, Hatem Ben Arfa and Charles Kabore. Gregory Pujol scored for Valenciennes.
Marseille are the only unbeaten side in the top flight after nine rounds and have clawed back five points on Lyon over the past two rounds. Gerets said: "Two weeks ago, I read that the championship was over. That isn't the case even if I know my team must improve if they are to be a danger to Lyon. "We are on a good run and we are scoring goals." The result means Marseille will be full of confidence for two key games this week, a Champions League clash at PSV Eindhoven tomorrow and a league meeting with Paris St Germain on Sunday.
* PA Sport
