Despite remarkable individual performances in the defensive sector, RC Lens was led to its loss by the poor performances of its creative players against Toulouse (0-1) this Sunday. From 3 to 7, discover our notes after this meeting of the 16th day of Ligue 1.
The satisfactions
Under the eyes of Brice Samba present, Hervé Koffi (7) knew that his performance would be closely scrutinized. But if the Burkinabè had sometimes been uncertain against PSG before the break, he showed himself to be imperial for his first in Ligue 1. The Lensois goalkeeper impressed on his line, with high-class reflex saves in front of Joshua King ( 17′) or Yann Gboho (79′), his name even being chanted by Bollaert as a whole. Also reassuring on his numerous outings, he was a first booster by displaying great serenity whatever the circumstances in the face of high pressure from Toulouse (7′, 23′). He can do nothing about the penalty conceded (0-1, 73′), where he is caught on the wrong foot.
Certainly, he conceded the fatal penalty to RC Lens with a charge in the back that was slightly too muscular (73′). But for the rest, Malang Sarr (6) was impeccable and impressive, particularly in his reading of the game and the passing lines. A master in coverage (12′, 15′, 28′), he is also credited with remarkable interventions (20′, 40′, 55′) by exuding authority and serenity. Before this error which will mar a performance which nevertheless remains encouraging.
The disappointments
Came in at the break, David Pereira from Costa (3) only lasted a quarter of an hour on the field. Time for him to try to show himself between the lines (54′, 55′), before committing the irreparable. Late in his intervention, the Portuguese had poor control of his intervention and, although the intention was clearly not to cause pain, he let his foot drag on the top of Djibril Sidibé’s ankle (61′). After long minutes of delay and consultation of the video, Mr. Ben El Hadj sent off the “Little Prince of Gaillette”, who left his team at ten a few minutes before conceding the opener…
Holder on the left wing, Anas Zaroury (4) once again lacked inspiration, to the point of being replaced at the break by Will Still (David Pereira da Costa, 46′). If his quality as a center could have allowed RC Lens to open the scoring if a M’Bala Nzola in his image (4) had taken better with his right foot (6′), for the rest he narrowly missed. Both technically and in his decision-making (13′, 15′, 29′), to the point of losing 11 balls (28 touchdowns) ultimately having very little impact on the match
His start to the match was very complicated, with numerous turnovers (7′, 8′, 11′, 19′) and the feeling of a player not in the mood for the match. What if Andy Diouf (4) gradually got back on his feet, he also did not transcend Lensois who would have needed his quality of projection more regularly, only appearing occasionally (51′, 57′). The 21-year-old midfielder could even have conceded a penalty after a penalty and a late intervention on Djibril Sidibé if Mr. Ben El Hadj had been less permissive (34′).
Confirmed in the starting lineup, Deiver Machado (4) had a complicated afternoon. Often caught by Zakaria Aboukhlal, his opposite number, the Colombian suffered both on the restart (5′, 6′) and defensively (3 duels out of 9 won). Not attentive enough on the sidelines which led to the Toulouse penalty (73′), he could also have obtained one, even if he was cut off in his tracks by being visibly far enough from being able to take over the Lensois center (51′).
Enzo PAILOT
Match notes:
Coffee (7) – Frankowski (6), Danso (5), Sarr (6), Machado (4) – Thomasson (5), Diouf (4) – Sotoca (6), Fulgini (5), Zaroury (4) then Pereira da Costa (3) – Road (4)
Photo credits: Christophe Saidi/FEP/Icon Sport
