Florian Thauvin's second-half winner in a 2-1 victory over Lens has helped Marseille extend their lead to four points at the top of Ligue 1.

Marseille made a bright start to the match as they dominated possession in the opening stages, and their early pressure was rewarded in just the 10th minute.

A Thauvin corner was deflected at the near post and it was Nicolas N'Koulou who reacted quickest inside the box to head home the opener.

Lens responded well to falling behind, with Pierrick Valdivia forcing Steve Mandanda into a save with his swerving effort from 25 yards.

The visitors were back on level terms before the break when the lively Baptiste Guillaume earned space inside the box to beat Mandanda with a shot that took a slight deflection off Rod Fanni.

Guillaume continued to be a threat for Lens in the second half, but his brilliant work on the left wing was not rewarded as Wylan Cyprien sent a poor strike over the crossbar from inside the box.

Lens were made to pay for that miss on the hour mark as Marseille regained the lead through Thauvin, who fired into the roof of the net after being picked out by Andre-Pierre Gignac.

A second yellow card for Alaixys Romao ensured that Marseille would be tested in the closing stages, but the hosts held firm to collect all three points.