surprised by Angers, Monaco marks time

Ligue 1 reopened its doors this Friday evening with a poster pitting AS Monaco, runner-up to Paris Saint-Germain, against SCO Angers, 15th at kick-off. Unbalanced on paper, this first meeting of the 10th day of Ligue 1 nevertheless had everything of a trap for Adi Hütter's flock, in great form in recent weeks. After eleven consecutive matches without defeat, the Monegasques had to raise their heads after conceding their first defeat of the season, last weekend, on the pitch of OGC Nice (1-2). A dynamic completely opposite to that of the Angevins, authors of their first success of the season against Saint-Étienne (4-2).

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Organized in 4-2-3-1, Alexandre Dujeux's squad also offered good resistance in the first moments of this match. Far from being frightened by the offensive armada of the Asemists, the SCO, led by a very good Himad Abdelli, played its game on the lawn of Louis-II and proved dangerous. Served on the right, Jim Allevinah thus drew a first strike but the Monegasque defense pushed back (14th). A few moments later, it was Ibrahima Niane who put Radoslaw Majecki into action but the ASM goalkeeper caught it without trembling (22nd). In difficulty against the valiant Angevins, the locals were finally logically punished by a former member of the Monegasque house…

End of series at home for ASM

Found at the entrance to the opposing area, Jean-Eudes Aholou unleashed a missile with his left foot and found the top corner of the Asemist goalkeeper (0-1, 29th). Stammering its football, rushed on numerous sequences and without any real ideas on the offensive plan (three shots, zero on target), AS Monaco veered behind at the break. Upon returning from the locker room, Adi Hütter changed his plans. Invisible during the first act with 4 small balls touched, George Ilenikhena gave way to young Eliesse Ben Seghir. Quickly, ASM showed more edge offensively but lacked precision in the last gesture, like this strike from Breel Embolo, blocked by Emmanuel Biumla (51st).

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From a free kick, Ben Seghir scored the first Monegasque shot of the evening but the SCO goalkeeper was not surprised (55th). In the last half hour, the locals continued to put pressure but constantly came up against the Angevin block (66th, 75th) or a decisive Fofana (69th). Esteban Lepaul was very close to doubling the lead but Majecki intervened (83rd). Unable to come back in the final moments, Takumi Minamino's teammates finally let three precious points slip away in the title race. With this surprise defeat (0-1), the first at home in 15 matches, AS Monaco is marking time and could see PSG fly to the top of the standings. For its part, the SCO goes on to a fourth match without defeat, a second success in a row and finds itself 14th.