Marseille held by 10-man Metz, stay fourth in Ligue 1

Marseille failed to make their domination count as they were held to a 0-0 stalemate by 10-man Metz and remained fourth in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The Provence side, who hit the woodwork through Dimitri Payet in the first half, could not break the deadlock despite Jemerson being sent off for the visitors after the interval.

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They have 23 points from 13 games and stand 11 points adrift of leaders Paris Saint-Germain, one behind second-placed Lens and trail Nice, who host Montpellier later on Sunday, on goal difference.

Metz, who hit the post twice, are second-bottom on eight points.

At the Stade Velodrome, Thomas Delaine's angled shot crashed against Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda's post as the visitors flexed their muscles early on.

Marseille had most of the possession but failed to threaten until the 26th minute when Payet's superb strike hit the bar.

Metz also came close before the break when Delaine again hit the woodwork.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men though when Jemerson was shown a straight red card in the 56th minute after a VAR review for stomping on Payet's knee.

Marseille thought they had scored from the resulting free kick but Gerson's effort was ruled out after another VAR review for a previous foul on Dylan Bronn.

Metz continued to bank on counter attacks to make the difference and they remained a threat to Mandanda, who was made to work by Nicolas de Preville on the hour.

Keeper Alexandre Oukidja also shone for Metz to twice deny Arkadiusz Milik and preserve a precious point.