After 11 days played in Ligue 1, AS Saint-Étienne occupies a worrying 16th place, dangerously flirting with the relegation zone. A look back at the start of the season through collective and individual statistics, between hopes and disappointments.
Ranking and worrying dynamics in Ligue 1
With only 10 points in 11 games, the Greens are struggling to find their rhythm in the elite. They have recorded only two wins, against four draws and five defeats. If the defense is a worrying subject (21 goals conceded, an average of 1.91 per match), it is also the attack which shows signs of weakness with only 11 goals scored.
In terms of dynamics, Saint-Étienne remains on two consecutive defeats, against direct competitors (Nice and Lyon), which contributed to its fall in the ranking. The gap of -10 in goal difference is one of the worst in Ligue 1, illustrating the difficulties on both sides of the field.
Offensive inefficiency and defensive fragility?
ASSE's offensive weakness is highlighted by its advanced statistics. With an xG (expected goals) of 12, the Greens slightly underperformed, scoring one goal less than the chances created. The offensive animation, although promising in certain phases, lacks consistency and finish. Apart from Davitashvili, the attackers struggle to make situations materialize, and the lack of creativity in the middle is felt in the overall production.
On the defensive side, the situation is even more worrying. With an xGA (expected goals against) of 19.8, Saint-Étienne suffers more clear chances than the average of the teams at the bottom of the table. This is reflected in the rate of goals conceded per 90 minutes (1.91). Defensive adjustments seem urgent to hope to stabilize the season. Note that the rout in Nice necessarily greatly accentuated the data analyzed.
Ligue 1 xG
- Rennes : 12.9
- ASSE : 12.7
- Nantes: 12.2
- Le Havre: 12
- Angers : 11.9
- Montpellier : 11.6
Ligue 1 xGA
- Montpellier : 23.1
- ASSE : 21.7
- Strasbourg : 21.1
- Brest : 20.4
- Auxerre: 20.3
A key sector: goalkeeping
By observing the performance of the Saint-Etienne squad in goal, we see that the team displays a save rate of only 63.3%, much lower than that of its direct competitors. With 21 goals conceded in 11 games, the goalkeeper has only managed to keep a clean sheet in one match this season. This weakness in the last defense is costly in close matches where every detail counts.
Comparison with direct competitors
Faced with other teams fighting to maintain their position, such as Angers (15th with 13 points) or Le Havre (17th with 9 points), ASSE seems slightly below. If the Normandy team shares a similar offensive situation with 11 goals scored, its defense seems more resilient with 18 goals conceded. However, the HAC has big problems in attack. Likewise, Angers manages to compensate for its negative difference with increased defensive solidity and better performance in attack.
Where Saint-Étienne also suffers is in its ability to capitalize on its strong moments. Auxerre, for example, with the same number of goals scored (11), displays a better differential and more effective match management.
The differences remain minimal at the end of the ranking. The race to maintain promises to be close until the end in Ligue 1. For now, ASSE remains placed.
Attendance and popular support
Despite the disappointing results, the supporters remain loyal to the meeting. With an average attendance of 31,256 spectators at Geoffroy-Guichard, ASSE is among the most followed clubs in Ligue 1. This support remains a major asset for the Greens, even if it is also accompanied by a certain pressure in a historic club.
Projections and urgent needs
If the season is still long, the current situation leaves little room for optimism. Collective performance must improve quickly, and this involves several areas:
1. Strengthen the defense: Tactical adjustments must aim to reduce the spaces left to the opponent. Better defensive organization is crucial to stop the hemorrhage of goals conceded. Even more so with the absence of Mickaël Nadé.
2. Find a regular scorer: The attack still lacks percussion. Ben Old's injury did not help, Mathieu Cafaro and Augustine Boakye struggled to convince. This is also the case at the forefront of the attack where neither Lucas Stassin nor Ibrahim Sissoko manages to fully impose themselves.
3. Capitalize on the support of supporters: Geoffroy-Guichard remains a potential stronghold. Turning this advantage into points at home is imperative to avoid diving further down.
4. Activate psychological levers: The match against Montpellier will have a psychological impact for the rest of the season. A victory seems essential to Olivier Dall'Oglio and his men to continue the Ligue 1 season in a more serene manner.
ASSE will have to do better in Ligue 1
ASSE, 16th after a third of the championship, is playing with fire in this season where every point will count for survival in Ligue 1. The Greens, although supported by unwavering popular fervor, must quickly raise the bar to hope to escape a relegation which would be a real blow for this monument of French football. Between a defense to solidify and an attack to relaunch, Olivier Dall'Oglio and his staff have their work cut out for them in the weeks to come.
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