Marseille win first game since Nice mayhem

On loan from Arsenal, Matteo Guendouzi, in the 23rd minute, and former Flamengo player Gerson, on 51 minutes, scored their first goals for Marseille.

Turkish star Cengiz Under, another summer recruit on loan from Roma, added a third in the 68th minute. Timothee Kolodziejczak had earlier given Saint-Etienne hope with a 32nd-minute equaliser from a corner.

Last weekend, Marseille's game at southern neighbours Nice was abandoned after a pitch invasion involving home fans incensed that Dimitri Payet had a thrown a bottle lobbed at him back into the crowd. After scuffles involving players, staff and spectators, Marseille refused to continue the game, claiming their safety could not be guaranteed.

Payet was instrumental in Saturday's opening goal at the Stade Velodrome as his telling pass opened up space for Under. His cross found Konrad de la Fuente whose strike was blocked, but Guendouzi was on hand to follow up and score.

"We could have scored one more goal," said Marseille coach Jorge Sampaoli. "The supporters were with the team, they returned home happy. What the team has shown is that they can win or lose but they will always attack with determination."