TOPS
Lorient ended up losing on home soil against FC Metz (2-3), and it was not because of Romain Faivre. In fact, it was thanks to the elusive left-hander that the Merlus led the score after Metz’s first goal after 40 seconds. Starting from his right side, Faivre doubled up the passes with Siriné Doucouré to pierce the Grenats defense and equalize with composure (8th). He repeated his dribbling act and would have caused a penalty if, in his fall, he had not seen the ball slide to Eli Kroupi Jr for a second Lorient goal (22nd). Two decisive but insufficient actions for the Morbihannais.
More than one team, and especially a promoted one, would have taken on water after Faivre’s double, or would have collapsed due to Lorient’s repeated offensives at the end of the match. Not FC Metz, which went on to a fourth match without defeat and above all a second victory in a row after that against Nantes two weeks ago (3-1). Laszlo Bölöni’s players did not often have the ball (32% possession) but compensated with their sharpness and ingenuity, like a combination from a corner for Ismaël Traoré’s equalizing goal (65th) . Here they are, worthy of 9th in Ligue 1 before a trip to Lille next Sunday (5:05 p.m.).
FLOPS
His return was expected, the man with 182 Ligue 1 matches and five trophies with Marseille. But it was a return that made us pschitt. Entering in the 65th minute for his debut with Le Havre against Nantes (0-0), André Ayew was shown a red card two minutes later. In question, a sole, certainly light, on the shin of Eray Cömert. More awkwardness than anything else but Mr. Nogueira, Portuguese referee as part of an initiative between the FFF and his Portuguese counterpart, did not want to know anything. Ayew, 33, laughed yellow as he left the Beaujoire lawn. He should therefore be suspended for the reception of PSG in a week.
If there was any doubt, the MHSC is playing well, because it is getting nothing out of its duels against the teams at the top of the table. After a draw at home against Nice before the break (0-0), the MHSC, still on home soil, fell against Stade Brestois (1-3). Brave but inconsistent, the Finistère players knew how to be fair in critical moments, like a clever deflection from Steve Mounié on a long ball, for the uncontrolled conclusion of Mathias Pereira Lage at the heart of a Hérault defense at bay (64th). Even with a convincing Téji Savanier and scorer from the penalty spot (51st), Montpellier lacked bite and languished in 14th place. Brest, surprise leader at the start of the season, moved to 7th place.