Genesio won’t be leaving without a fight
Nabil Fekir ignited the Groupama Stadium when he scored a 90th minute free-kick for Lyon, as they defeated the champions Monaco 3-2. Lyon boss Bruno Genesio had been given just a few games to turn their season around, but he can’t have dreamt of such a dramatic scenario.
The manager left out former Manchester United duo Rafael and Memphis Depay after their recent poor performances, with 19-year-old Houssem Aouar starting just his second game. Leonardo Jardim was without top scorer Radamel Falcao who hadn’t fully recovered following his extensive travels for international matches with Colombia, although it was still an evenly matched contest between the sides.
Monaco are now six points behind the league leaders, after dropping five points in the last two match days. They are at risk of conceding their title before Christmas.
Meunier scores surprising brace
Dani Alves operated in a midfield role for Paris Saint-Germain with Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta absent, but it was the former Barcelona full-back’s replacement on the right of defence that grabbed the headlines. Thomas Meunier appeared to have won the game when he scored in the 71st minute, as Dijon keeper Baptiste Reynet pushed the ball into his path after initially saving from Neymar.
However, Benjamin Jeannot hit a sublime volley over a stunned Alphonse Areola with only three minutes remaining. Then in stoppage time, Meunier squeezed the ball over the line to give the Belgian right-back an incredible seven goals and seven assists for club and country in the last two months.
“We gave them the late goal, we weren't paying attention on the flanks,” admitted Dijon coach Olivier Dall'Oglio. “As for Meunier, he was paying attention and it's that detail that made the difference this evening.”
Saint-Etienne come from behind to move into third
Fallou Diagne gave Metz a 1-0 lead at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, but the home side responded in the second period. Three goals in the last 16 minutes ensured that The Maroons lost their eighth league game of the campaign.
Vincent Pajot capped off an impressive performance with the equaliser and made amends for his sending off against Angers last month. An own goal from Cafu and a 94th minute strike from Habib Maiga completed the comeback.
“After the break, we played with a lot of character, determination, and we also showed great spirit,” said Saint-Etienne manager Oscar Garcia. “That's exactly what I want to see.”
Bordeaux and Nantes still looking strong
Goals either side of half-time ensured a 1-1 draw between Bordeaux and Nantes. The two teams have been difficult to beat this season and both illustrated this ability in the encounter.
Bordeaux goalkeeper Benoit Costil saved Leo Dubois’ effort, but Prejuce Nakoulma opened his account for the campaign with the rebound. Malcom then scored his fifth goal in seven games two minutes after the restart, with the Brazilian’s influence growing as the match progressed.
It was important for Bordeaux to bounce back quickly after the heavy defeat to PSG before the international break, whilst Nantes had been on a run of four consecutive victories. Overall the two clubs can be pleased with how they have progressed so far this season.
Marseille guarantee goals at present
Marseille led twice at Strasbourg, but still had to rely on a late goal to give them a draw. Dimitri Payet opened the scoring, with Strasbourg holding midfielder Jean Eudes Aholou equalising for the home team.
Rudi Garcia’s side took the lead again early in the second half through an own goal from Bakary Kone. The former Lyon defender then scored at the right end 12 minutes later.
Dimitri Lienard gave Strasbourg the lead until Greek forward Kostas Mitroglou salvaged a point for Les Olympiens. Marseille have been involved in consecutive six goal thrillers, whilst they are fourth in Ligue 1 for conceding and scoring goals.
Honourable mentions
Guingamp had only beaten Rennes once in six league meetings, but they earned the bragging rights in the Breton derby with a 2-0 win. It was their fourth victory of the season and Antoine Kombouare’s men are well placed to better last term’s 10th position.
