TOPS
He had delivered 90 great minutes in Lisbon three days earlier against Benfica (2-1 defeat), and he was the man of Toulouse’s victory at AS Monaco this Sunday (1-2). Vincent Sierro, midfielder and captain of TFC, opened the scoring with mischief and panache. On a free kick at least 25 meters from the Monaco goal, he saw that Philipp Köhn anticipated a cross and therefore shot directly at the first post. Winning shot in the 41st minute. It is also he who kicks the corner for TFC’s second goal, the winning goal, signed Logan Costa (70th). Full service.
The MHSC had not won since five matches in L1 and their trip to Metz on December 17 (0-1). It seems that the garnet color increases the strength of Michel Der Zakarian’s players tenfold. They did not go into detail against the Lorraines this Sunday (3-0), like a well-constructed action for Issiaga Sylla’s goal from the start (3rd). Vastly superior at the break (15 shots, 5 on target), the Héraultais, led by their captain Téji Savanier involved in all three goals, are giving themselves some breathing room in the race to maintain their lead. And push Metz, 17th, who has lost eight of their last nine meetings.
FLOPS
He thought he knew what Vincent Sierra was going to do on the free kick. He was wrong. AS Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Köhn conceded a goal that was as pretty as it was avoidable from the Toulouse midfielder. Anticipating a cross, he deserted the near post and offered Sierro a choice angle, precise with his right paw (41st). More serious the rest of the time, like in this face-to-face with Frank Magri (36th). Insufficient for the German goalkeeper, who is not his first wandering since his arrival on the Rock last summer.
Starting at the start of the season under Bruno Genesio, Ludovic Blas had not started any of the last 7 matches at Stade Rennais in all competitions. Julien Stephan gave him his chance against Clermont (3-1), and he didn’t take it. Less prominent than Martin Terrier or Ibrahim Salah, the attacking midfielder especially missed a penalty, repelled by Mory Diaw (39th). Replaced by Benjamin Bourigeaud (63rd), Blas left with his head down before languishing on the bench. The former Nantes player is still looking for his place with the Rouge et Noir.
