After Monaco’s great success at home against Rennes (4-0), discover what caught the attention of the editorial staff for this match on the 20th day of Ligue 1.
TOPS
Ubiquitous Zakaria
Potentially the man of the match even if he didn’t score any of the 4 Monegasque goals this evening. Captain Denis Zakaria, usually a midfielder, had been positioned in the ASM 3-man defense. The Swiss was not disoriented by this change of position. Tonight he was everywhere. Firstly in attack, where he almost opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Brice Samba was beaten with his powerful shot but the Rennes goalkeeper was saved by his post. Zakaria also impressed in midfield with his passing skills. In total, 98% of successful passes (47/48)! The best ratio of the match. In defense, the Monegasque captain did not disappoint either. Often the last defender, he stopped all Rennes counter attempts, greatly participating in the «clean sheet» of his team this evening.
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Winning changes
We can only congratulate the winning coaching of Sébastien Pocognoli this evening. After Ansu Fati’s goal in the first period (33rd), the Monegasque coach decided to replace him with Akliouche. Less than 5 minutes after coming into play, the Frenchman scored (50th), served by Golovin. In the 56th, another change. This time, it’s Biereth who comes in instead of Balogun. 4 minutes later, he is the decisive passer for Coulibaly (60th). At the end of the match (81st), Pocognoli brought in the young 20-year-old Belgian, Stanis Idumbo. Less than 10 minutes later… this one scored. His first goal in the colors of Monaco. And he is served… by Biereth. Winning changes which strongly contributed to ASM’s victory this evening.
End of a bad series for Monaco
Mission accomplished. The Monegasques had only one goal in mind this evening, to end a series of 5 consecutive games without winning in Ligue 1. It’s done. And for this, Pocognoli used great means. The Monegasque tactician took risks this evening by playing with a very high block. Monaco was thus much more aggressive offensively but also much more prey to dangerous counter-attacks. They were able to count on a great Zakaria this evening who stopped all counter attempts. A nice revenge for the Monegasques (4-0) who lost 4 to 1 against Stade Rennais 2 months ago at Roazhon Park.
FLOPS
Rennes too passive in attack…
The Rennais missed their match on many levels this evening. They notably sinned in attack. Only 8 shots in the entire match. Embolo completely missed his match, winning only 18% of his duels on the ground (2/11). The Rennais was especially frustrated with his yellow card for an unnecessary foul. His friend Esteban Lepaul didn’t do much better. 43% of duels won and 2 shots. He still scored a goal… quickly canceled by the referee for an offside position.
…and too powerless in defense
Defensively either, Rennais were not glorious. The Brassier-Jacquet-Aït Boudlal hinge did not work miracles this evening. The worst of the three? Brassier. The Rennes defender was unable to stop the first two Monegasque goals on the right side. He is replaced in the 56th minute by a more offensive profile in the hope of closing the gap, but the opposite happens. The Monegasques will continue to pass through the Rennes defense far too easily, to score a third goal… then a fourth!
