The match: 1-0
The Greens were not brilliant but they achieved a big blow this Monday: bringing down Laval (1-0), leader of Ligue 2, who remained on six victories in a row. Put into orbit by a goal from the inevitable Ibrahim Sissoko, ASSE is four lengths behind its evening opponent. And maintains its good momentum, with nine matches without defeat (6 wins, 3 losses) before hosting Angers, second, next Monday (9 p.m.).
Nothing was easy for Saint-Etienne, who knew where he was going. But the players of Laurent Battles remained serious in Mayenne, applied themselves to set pieces – the local specialty – and achieved convincing success against a direct competitor.
Solid in impact, the Greens constantly looked for depth behind the three Laval defenders. Dennis Appiah, very strong this Monday, was the first to find the fault, serving Ibrahim Sissoko on the edge of offside. The former Sochalien did not need to be asked to win his duel and score his 7th goal of the season (15th). He is now second in the Championship scorers’ ranking, one length behind Caen’s Alexandre Mendy.
Laval almost responded immediately but Malik Tchokounté’s point-blank slip prevented him from converting Amin Cherni’s effort (15th). This was the only real opportunity for the leader, who only called on Gautier Larsonneur on crosses afterwards.
6
This is the first time in six matches and a 0-0 at QRM on August 26 that Laval has not scored in Ligue 2.
The Greens could have taken cover if Mamadou Samassa had not made a good save in front of Mathieu Cafaro (43rd). And if the former Rémois had crossed less his shot, which failed on the post a few seconds later (45th). This would have spared them a final thrill, on a cross from Junior Kadile which almost turned into a lucky goal (86th). But they will be satisfied with this serious victory, which proves that ASSE has the quality to control every opponent this season if it puts in all the ingredients. She has the opportunity to prove it next week against the Angevin runner-up.
The fact: Laval no longer knew defeat
The series are meant to be completed, but one suspects that Tangos would have wanted to extend the show. On cloud nine since the start of the season, the Mayennais remained on six victories in a row. Better yet, they had chained nine victories in a row at Francis-Le-Basser. We had to go back 6 months, to April 8, to find Laval’s last defeat at home, against Grenoble (0-1). The leader, who is still two points ahead of Angers, now has the opportunity to prove that he can bounce back after a misstep, with three deadlines within his reach (Amiens, Annecy, Concarneau).