TOPS
The Russian enjoyed Monaco’s victory against Lorient (3-1) on Sunday. His tandem with Caio Henrique tortured the Lorient right side. Igor SIlva was too often overwhelmed and Stéphane Diarra then Adil Aouchiche had to settle for defending. This match was once again a reminder that when he is not bothered by physical glitches, Aleksandr Golovin has few equals in this championship. His decisive pass for Krépin Diatta from a subtle outside of the right (14th) and his goal full of composure to double the bet put his people on the right track (28th). On the third goal, he is still the penultimate pass (55th). He was also the Monegasque who covered the most kilometres. A full match for him.
The ASM captain has shown that he can also perform well in a different register than that of a finisher. He certainly did not score but delivered two assists. The first for Aleksandr Golovin, the second for Volland. It is only the third time in his career that he has achieved such a performance. Vito Mannone intervened on one of his powerful shots (53rd) and he was active until the end.
FLOPS
If Aleksandr Golovin shone, it’s because his vis-à-vis had a bad afternoon. The Brazilian defender who was returning from suspension after his expulsion against Nice did not go far from going to the shower prematurely after a nasty tackle on the ankle from Caio Henrique (25th). He got away with a simple orange yellow and spent the rest of the game being outflanked by Golovin and then Ismail Jakobs.
Terem Moffi, 12 goals in 18 games, left Nice this winter and Lorient has set his sights on Bamba Dieng to replace him. Curious decision as the profiles are so different. Author of 2 goals in 11 games, the Senegalese is in immense difficulty and this afternoon, the central Monegasque hinge composed of Guillermo Maripan and Axel Disasi made short work of it. Whether alone in front or supported by Ibrahima Koné, nothing allowed him to shine. His replacement Sirama Doucouré only needed fifteen minutes to get a penalty.