At OL, the 4-2-3-1 still struggles to be decisive

Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki before OL – Nantes (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)

Held in check on Saturday in Reims, OL missed yet another great opportunity. The speech would have been different with a bit of efficiency, but starting in 4-2-3-1 still does not work for Pierre Sage.

So much frustration. This is above all the feeling that emerges among the players of theOL after the draw conceded to Reims Saturday evening (1-1). However, the vast majority of them only have themselves to blame. For what ? Quite simply because of this failed start to the second half which led to the Reims equalizer and some doubt in the Lyon ranks. There was some improvement in the sequel, butOL can very clearly have regrets in this match. The latter could have taken an even more dramatic turn without a double parade from Lucas Perri at the end of the match.

With two more points lost on the way, the Lyonnais are not lost, but have not managed to take advantage of this affordable schedule on paper to refuel. From this trip to Champagne, there were good things and others inevitably less good, and in the end, this initial 4-2-3-1 still fails to have an impact on the results.

Six defeats with this starting system

And that's the paradox, because OL certainly delivered their best half in several years on Saturday during the first 45 minutes. With Rayan Cherki as leader, but also a Lacazette able to pick up more easily, Pierre Sage saw a more than seductive face. The Lyon coach also intends to rely on this polished game for the weeks and months to come, because he remains an eternal optimist.

However, the 4-2-3-1 is far from being synonymous with success at theOL under Pierre Sage. Even if it is only a system written on paper and animation remains above all the key, this tactic has been used nine times in the past year. For a largely negative balance sheet at the end, as highlighted by OL_Data. Six defeats for two victories and since Saturday evening, a draw… And yet, it is in this system that theOL seems the most attractive to watch play…