TOPS
End of (bad) series for Jonathan David. Mute during his last ten outings with Losc, the Canadian striker found the net before the half-hour mark. His fine sequence in the area allowed the Mastiffs to realize their superiority, after a good start. Very active and available at the forefront of an attractive Lille 4-2-3-1, David showed great complicity with Yazici, aligned a notch lower. The 23-year-old could have turned into a decisive passer if his Turkish teammate had not missed the target in front of Lopes (39th).
Logical winner, Losc nevertheless had to rely on the prowess of Lucas Chevalier in the cage. The Lille goalkeeper, already vigilant in the first period (25th, 41st), particularly shone after the break, at the heart of a big Lyon moment. His brilliantly won duels in front of Kadewere (59th) and Baldé (61st) prevented OL from getting back into this match. Decisive in front of his line and still useful in his kicking game.
FLOPS
Substitute during Lyon’s victory at Rennes before the international break, Alexandre Lacazette regained his place at the forefront of the attack this Sunday. A failed return. Isolated from his teammates, the captain of Les Gones was easily muzzled by the central hinge of Losc. Discreet, and never dangerous (only one shot, off target). Fabio Grosso did not hesitate to replace him during the break. The former Arsenal player, disappointed on the bench in the second half, is having a difficult season, his goal counter remains hopelessly stuck at three points. The symbol of an OL in crisis.
With Tagliafico suspended, OL had to rely on Henrique as left back. The Brazilian clearly had a bad evening in his hallway. In difficulty against the vista of Zhegrova and the rises of Santos, he suffered defensively and did not contribute enough on the offensive level. His loss of the ball at the origin of Lille’s second goal cost OL dearly.
“I never feel lost,” he proclaimed at Prime Video after further disillusionment. However, Fabio Grosso seemed to show the opposite during the meeting. OL’s Italian coach once again had to quickly review his plans, after yet another failed first period for his team. Author of a triple change from the break, the 2006 world champion reorganized his team to three behind after the hour mark (64th), before returning to four at the end of the match (80th). Surprising tactical changes. Unable to find the right formula, Grosso fails to revive a sick team, and in great danger. However, time is starting to run out…