The Lyonnais lost to the Merlus, at the end of the 15th day of Ligue 1 (1-0). Find out what caught the attention of the editorial staff at the end of this meeting.
TOPS
Mvogo, a real rampart
Certainly, Lorient produced a great collective performance in this match. But the Merlus can above all thank Yvon Mvogo. The Swiss goalkeeper, a true man of the match, put on a show to keep his clean sheet this Sunday. His six decisive saves disgusted the Lyonnais throughout the match, like his superb interventions in front of De Carvalho and Tolisso. Also impeccable in the air, with several authoritarian exits which relieved his defense. A near-perfect match.
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Pagis does it again
The other (very) strong man of the Merlus. Aligned in support of Soumano, Pablo Pagis shone again, notably achieving an excellent first period. A constant poison for the Lyon defense. Highly visible, he turned the game around by scoring the only goal of the evening, with great composure in front of Greif. A few minutes after curling a sublime free kick onto the post. Less brilliant after the break, he nevertheless gave up his place to a most deserved ovation.
The Hake had wings
Aligned in the same 3-4-3 which allowed Nice to be beaten last weekend (3-1), Lorient was able to rely on the great activity of its pistons. Let it be Théo Le Bris on the right, and Arsène Kouassi on the left. The first, very solid in the face of Abner’s climbs, was able to bring great energy to his lane. Ditto for the Burkinabe international, seen in a more offensive register. His numerous climbs hurt the Lyonnais. He could have even released his team before the final whistle, with a shot that ultimately hit the outside of the post.
FLOPS
Maitland-Niles plombe l’OL
Back in a piston role on the right side, Ainsley Maitland-Niles came through. In great widths. Never reassuring and surprised at the opening score, the Englishman completely collapsed at the end of the first period, receiving two yellow cards in barely five minutes. First warned for a charge on Makengo, he then committed the irreparable. His sole on Kouassi’s foot left the referee no choice but to reduce OL to ten men. Outnumbered, Les Gones conceded a frustrating defeat against an opponent well within their reach.
De Carvalho too fair
He could have opened the scoring if Mvogo had not pulled out all the stops in front of his cage. But Mathys De Carvalho generally disappointed in the Lyon midfield. Partnered with Morton, the 20-year-old made several errors under opposing pressure. With in particular a loss of ball at the origin of a huge opportunity wasted by Soumano a quarter of an hour into the game. On the tough side, he remained in the locker room during the break. Logical victim of Paulo Fonseca’s tactical choices after the expulsion of Maitland-Niles.
