Florian Sotoca opened the score with tremendous inspiration; Brice Samba had to bow three times. Action Images via Reuters/JASON CAIRNDUFF/AFP/DARREN STAPLES
TOPS/FLOPS – The Sang et Or (logically) lost this Saturday against Manchester United (1-3) for their last preparation match.
Tops
The brilliant inspiration of Florian Sotoca
He should remember that. In the 23rd minute of play, taking advantage of a bad pass in the center of Diogo Dalot, Florian Sotoca recovered the ball shortly after the halfway line. Without the slightest hesitation, following his instinct, the Lensois striker took his chance. His attempt of almost fifty meters, perfectly carried out, lobbed André Onana – who, as usual, was advanced – and ended his race in the back of the Mancunian net. A brilliant inspiration which gave the advantage to the Sang et Or.
Alejandro Garnacho and Antony in all the right moves
They were in all the right moves. Antony and Alejandro Garnacho, established respectively on the right side and the left side of the attack, gave the Sang et Or a hard time with their incessant percussion. Above all, the Brazilian and the Argentinian knew how to make the difference. The first first distinguished himself by offering a wonderful decisive pass to Marcus Rashford; before giving the advantage to his people, five minutes later, with a small flat left foot on a service … from the second. Spinning and decisive wingers bode well for Manchester United just over a week before the resumption of the Premier League.
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Read alsoManchester United-Lens: the film of the meeting
Flops
The Lensois air hole in the second half
A catastrophic start to the second half. While leading at the break, the Sang et Or were overthrown in the space of (only) a few minutes. Franck Haise’s players were first surprised by Marcus Rashford, perfectly served by Antony, with a cross shot from the right foot deflected by Kevin Danso (48th). Then, almost in stride, Antony, found by the twirling Alejandro Garnacho in transition, gave the advantage to his people by opening his left foot following a control a bit too long (58th). The Artésiens will not have to experience such an air pocket next Sunday against Stade Brestois (1 p.m.) if they want to make a successful debut in Ligue 1.
Lensoise defensive animation
Certainly, the adversary was strong, even very strong. But the Lensoise defensive performance remains (slightly) worrying despite everything. Faced with particularly strong Red Devils, the Sang et Or conceded many dangerous situations (17 shots, 6 on target), in particular because they left a lot of space for the loss of the ball. Franck Haise’s players also struggled against the percussion of Mancunian attackers, Alejandro Garnacho in the lead. They will have to be much less feverish in the coming weeks to be at the same level as last year in Ligue 1… and to do well in the Champions League, a competition in which they risk being confronted with teams from the MU level.
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