Tops
Apart from Pierre Sage’s plans and lacking playing time – and goals – for six matches, Lyon’s raw talent has shown that he is still capable of brilliant shots. Not called by Thierry Henry with the hopes on Thursday, he was decisive at the Stadium after his entry (66th). A goal from a precise right-hand strike (77th), a decisive corner at the origin of Lyon’s third goal (scored by O’Brien, 81st), several intelligent and dangerous breakthroughs (83rd, 87th)… He was everywhere in a role of controlled and worrying free electron for the Toulouse defense. It’s up to him to confirm. Again and again about it.
Nemanja Matic, recruited this winter from Stade Rennais, once again proves his leading role in the Lyon environment. He notably touched 68 balls, second best total behind Clinton Mata (77th). He also tried his hand with a few breakthroughs that could have hit the mark, like the one attempted in the 28th minute, at the origin of a dangerous cross from the Lyon area. Maxence Caqueret, well helped by his Serbian friend, played his role of 8-10 perfectly, which suits him perfectly. Often in the axis of the Lyon midfielder, he projected well and was at the origin of Lyon’s first goal.
Flops
Martinez Novell’s men, initially dominated at the start of the first period before showing a completely different face from the 15th minute of play, conceded the first goal but did not let themselves be defeated with an excellent comeback after the break, and two goals scored in quick succession (53rd, 58th). The entry into play and the speed of Rayan Cherki, omnipresent in the last half hour, turned the heads of the Toulouse defenders, who ended up faltering with two goals also conceded in quick succession (77th, 81st).
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was tested by Pierre Sage on the left side of the Lyon attack, an ambitious choice for a player who is more used to playing in the number 8 position, or even sentry. He only touched 19 small balls, won 17% of his contested duels (1/6), missed his only crosses (0/1) and attempted dribbles (0/1). Pierre Sage did a test, which did not work. Probably his only questionable choice of the evening. Replaced by the Lyon dynamiter, Rayan Cherki, in the 66th minute.