The series continues for the Héraultais as well as for the Artésiens. Montpellier and Lens had to settle for a draw on Friday at the opening of the 15th day of Ligue 1 (0-0). Highly anticipated for his return against his former team, Elye Wahi was unable to stand out in a meeting between two solid teams. The MHSC continues a 6th match without success, the RCL offers itself a 10th match in a row without defeat in L1.
If the visitors immediately got their foot on the ball in the opposing camp, they also came up against the premises who were effectively withdrawn. In a system modeled on the 3-4-3 Lensois, the Montpellier residents showed aggressiveness and vivacity in defense despite their recent difficulties and several absences. They also made precise ball exits to launch quick and dangerous counterattacks on which the three Artesian centrals often moved on a wire.
Wahi too little served
Jonathan Gradit, Kevin Danso and Facundo Medina showed authority against Mousa Al-Tamari, Akor Adams and Khalil Fayad. Their partners in midfield and attack clearly lacked spontaneity and inspiration in the offensive animation. For his 300th in L1, Adrien Thomasson disappointed, just like David Pereira Da Costa whom Joris Chotard almost punished with a long-range attempt that narrowly missed the target after a high recovery (10th). Wahi had to wait until the end of the first period to show up. His tense shot was repelled by the vigilant Benjamin Lecomte (36th).
Lens had 67% possession at the break but clearly lacked a bit of everything offensively, notably accuracy and movement. The debates continued in the same vein in the second half. Danso countered Adams’ shot more or less regularly (57th). The visitors responded through Wahi who came up against Lecomte (60th).
Samba holds on
Finally really called upon, Brice Samba, for his part, stood up to Adams (69th). Despite slipping out of his area, the Lens goalkeeper was then able to count on Gradit to contain the Nigerian center forward (77th). He recovered nicely by winning a new duel against Adams (87th). Too lonely, the Montpellier striker paid for his efforts and lacked lucidity when it came time to conclude. He has not scored for six matches which corresponds to the poor series of his team which finished the match with 18 shots for only 4 on target.
Montpellier must be satisfied with a point which temporarily gives it two steps ahead of the Lorient barrage. For its part, Lens joins the Top 5 but is still stalling before the Champions League with this result which echoes the goalless draws at Le Havre and Lorient before the two matches against PSV Eindhoven. To avoid total frustration, we will have to avoid a defeat against Sevilla FC next Tuesday at Bollaert.
“Today, OL needs Kombouaré or Antonetti”