TOPS
OGC Nice is the new leader of Ligue 1 after the first six days, pending the results from Brest and Marseille. The Aiglons achieved a double victory by winning a second consecutive match in the league after surprising PSG last week at the Parc des Princes (3-2). And, at the same time, inflicted a second consecutive setback in this Côte d’Azur derby after their resounding success last season at the Stade Louis-II (3-0).
His teammates were not mistaken at the end of the meeting: by lifting up Marcin Bulka as a hero in front of their supporters, the Niçois thanked their goalkeeper who saved two penalties from Balogun (12th, 54th). The former PSG goalkeeper was also solid on his line in front of Ben Yedder’s attempts at the end of the game.
The poster on paper promised, it kept its promises. Between two teams who present themselves with a new coach, and authors of a good start to the season, Monaco of Adi Hütter and Nice of Francesco Farioli offered a pleasant technical level even if the opportunities were few in number. Moffi and Balogun, however, struggled to be found by their partners, an area of improvement for both clubs in the coming weeks.
Not yet decisive in his new colors so far, Jérémie Boga performed a magnificent slalom a few minutes after coming into play to give his team the victory. Arriving from Atalanta Bergamo, the Ivorian international grabbed the ball in added time, evaded several opposing defenders before curling his shot at the edge of the area (90th 1st). Unstoppable.
FLOPS
With Ben Yedder placed on the sidelines, Folarin Balogun had a chance to shine at the forefront of the Monegasque attack. Alas, the young American international (22 years old), who arrived for a check for €40M, was isolated at the forefront of the attack in the running game. Above all, he completely missed his two penalties, taking them in the same place, halfway up and close to the center of the goal. A (double) turning point in the meeting.
Undefeated leader, the Rocher club fell from a height by conceding their first setback of the season, at home moreover. The best attack in the championship (15 goals in 5 matches before kick-off) did not shake the net despite several interesting situations. There was great frustration at the final whistle among the players who quickly returned to their locker rooms.