Ligue 1 – Aurélien Tchouaméni brings Monaco to Lille (2-1), ASM provisionally 2nd

Monaco does not stop any more and becomes dolphin. The Principality’s players went on to win their 8th straight victory in Ligue 1 on the lawn of Lille at the start of the 36th day on Friday (1-2). The Monegasques did not shine in the North but were able to count on an excellent and very effective Aurélien Tchouaméni who offered himself a double on two good strikes (42nd and 75th). Angel Gomes (69th) had equalized for Dogues for a long time too wait-and-see and still 10th in the standings. Monaco temporarily takes 2nd place thanks to a better goal difference than OM.

It is logically the ambitious Monegasques who entered the match with the best intentions. Except that they stumbled on Lille compact and able to project quickly forward after recovery. Launched in depth, Jonathan David could not cross his shot enough on the left (7th). Timothy Weah, he aimed well with his shot from the penalty spot but failed to surprise Alexander Nübel (12th). Gabriel Gudmundsson’s diving header from six meters then finished to the right of the frame (19th).

Tchouaméni unblocks the situation…

These northern attempts still had the merit of pushing back the visitors who became very cautious and only worried the opposing goalkeeper on an uncrossed header from the already biting Tchouaméni after a corner from Aleksandr Golovin (26th). The formation from the Rock, however, knew how to take advantage of an opposing error and be realistic. Vanderson recovered the ball at the feet of a hesitant Tiago Djalo then launched Wissam Ben Yedder towards the Lille area. Discreet in this match, the striker proved to be decisive by serving Tchouaméni who placed his grazing axial strike from the left 20 meters into the back of the net (0-1, 42nd).

Without forcing but thanks to the second goal in the league this season from its 22-year-old international midfielder, ASM led at the break. She also recovered strongly even if Golovin did not frame his powerful shot (46th) and Jardim relaxed to divert Benoït Badiashile’s head after a corner (48th). Lille responded well with a nice breakthrough from Amadou Onana in the Monegasque area but the borrowed David finally gave badly to Jonathan Bamba who was countered (50th).

…then recurrence

While some northern spectators showed their dissatisfaction by making the caterpillar in the stands, Jocelyn Gourvennec decided to replace his Canadian striker as well as Gudmundsson with young Edon Zhegrova and Gomes (57th). The comers brought a boost of energy as Monaco contented themselves with managing their narrow lead. Served by Bamba, Gomes slipped between Guillermo Maripan and Vanderson in the middle of the opposing area before equalizing with a nice curling shot from the right to open his counter in Ligue 1 (1-1, 69th).

Zhegrova then Zeki Celik even almost gave the advantage to LOSC in stride (71st and 72nd). Tchouaméni, he benefited from the extra hint of success that accompanies players and teams in confidence. He suddenly placed a heavy strike from the right of 25 meters and scored with the help of the post (1-2, 75th). His third goal of the season in L1 is expensive since it allows ASM to sign a victorious roller coaster and put pressure on OM who will play Sunday in Lorient, and on Rennes who will challenge Nantes on Wednesday. Phocéens and Bretons will face each other especially during the next day. At least one of the two will lose points and Monaco will be in ambush to take advantage of them.