Tops
A penalty specialist, the Lille goalkeeper proved this afternoon, if necessary, that the exercise is not a lottery. The 22-year-old goalkeeper first repelled Elisor’s attempt (23rd) to prevent LOSC from chasing the score. And after the break, when his team led 2-0, he (again) pulled out all the stops against Camara this time (55th). Certainly, it was he who conceded the second penalty by missing his exit at the feet of Elisor. But his magnificent save made up for it. Stopping two penalties in the same match is a very rare performance, Chevalier did it. His performance undoubtedly did not escape Thierry Henry, who could select him for the French U23s for the Paris Olympic Games.
The Algerian midfielder only played 56 minutes (replaced by André) but produced a very clean copy. Very comfortable technically and quick in his decision-making, the former Angevin is the hub of Lille’s polished game. His sentry position suits him perfectly, he who shines equally well in short and long passes. Bentaleb even delighted Pierre Mauroy’s audience with some technical gestures including a superb roulette. His class is gradually making us forget the Portuguese André Gomes, who performed very well last season.
Eight matches without defeat in the League (5 wins, 3 draws), twelve in all competitions, LOSC has been running at full speed since the beginning of October. Here are the Mastiffs of Paulo Fonseca at the foot of the podium, three points behind the runner-up from Nice. If the performance was not perfect this evening, especially the second half was more sluggish, Lille pressed when necessary to tame Messins. Like the attacking duo composed of Yusuf Yazici and Jonathan David, clumsy then decisive with a goal each in added time of the first act.
Flops
A goalkeeper save from a penalty also means clumsiness on the part of the shooters. In a match where his chances were very rare in the game, Metz could not have dreamed of better with this first penalty obtained by Sabaly at 0-0. But Simon Elisor stumbled on Chevalier before letting Lamine Camara shoot the second (at 0-2), without further success. On the lawn of a candidate for the podium, the promoted Metz has no right to waste such important ammunition, even against a great Knight. László Bölöni’s men, who see their unbeaten streak (four games) come to an end, will harbor regrets despite Lille’s domination.
Established on the left wing with the captain’s armband, the Lille number 10 was messy in the last gesture this afternoon. Very active and available to his partners, the former Marseillais spoiled his good intentions with bad choices. He notably missed the 3-0 ball by preferring the pass to the shot which took place in front of Oukidja. Like Edon Zhegrova, Cabella never stopped trying and hitting but he faltered on the technical level.
