FC Metz claimed its first away victory of the season, defeating Montpellier 3-2 at Stade de la Mosson on Friday, November 6.
The match featured standout performances from several players, with Metz's Téji Savanier playing an important role in his return to his former club. Montpellier, which entered the match as the league's best defense, conceded three goals from just two shots on target, a statistic that explains the night's outcome.
A Night of Tribute and Response
Before the match, Metz coach Grégory Proment paid tribute to former club president Carlo Molinari, wearing a t-shirt with Molinari’s image. “I hope he is proud,” Proment said, according to Le Republicain Lorrain. “He was an important person for me. Every time I speak of him, I get a little teary-eyed. He lived well, he gave everything to FC Metz, he gave everything to us, the players.”
⌚️ 90' | #MHSCFCM 2️⃣-3️⃣ 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐀 𝐑𝐄́𝐃𝐔𝐈𝐓 𝐋'𝐄́𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐓 💥 Plus que 5 minutes de temps additionnel, on pousse jusqu'au bout la #TeamMHSC 🔥🧡 pic.twitter.com/nmRcDVPHUQ
“I think they were keen to make up for the last match,” Proment explained. “I sincerely believe we put in a good performance, apart from the goals where we were below everything. I asked them to try to reproduce that performance but with something different.”
Proment noted a change in tactical approach, shifting from a high press against Pau to a more patient strategy against Montpellier. “What is good is that when I ask for something, they do it,” he said. “I change the system, they do it. They remain very nice people in this group, and today, in addition to being nice people, they took their responsibilities.”
Ngapandouetnbu Concedes Three Goals
Simon Ngapandouetnbu, the Cameroonian international, had a difficult evening, conceding all three Metz goals from just two shots on target, as reported by Midi Libre.
Bouna Sarr scored in the 17th minute. “The left-back did not come out to oppose Sarr’s strike,” Midi Libre noted of Montpellier’s Zouaoui. The second goal, just before halftime, was an own goal by defender Yaël Mouanga, who deflected a Pandore shot after being pressured by the Metz attack.
Montpellier showed resilience in the second period, with Daylam Meddah pulling a goal back in the 49th minute and Mamadou Camara scoring again in the 90th minute to make it 3-2. However, AllezPaillade.com reported that two penalty appeals for handball in the Metz box were not awarded.
Savanier’s Masterclass
Téji Savanier, who left Montpellier six months ago, was instrumental in his team’s victory. The 34-year-old midfielder was directly involved in two of Metz’s three goals and was praised for his creativity and influence on the game.
“Six months after his departure from Montpellier, Téji Savanier has succeeded in a return as spectacular as it was significant at La Mosson,” Midi Libre reported. “The former Hérault playmaker deployed his entire palette and was the originator of two of the three Metz goals.”
Proment lauded Savanier’s performance: “He had a great match, he never ceases to amaze me,” he said, as quoted by Midi Libre. Savanier received a standing ovation from Montpellier’s fans, who honored him with a tifo display upon his departure from the pitch, according to Midi Libre.
Implications for the League Standings
The defeat ends Montpellier’s six-match unbeaten streak. Prior to the match, RMC Sport noted that Montpellier occupied second place with 24 points and had won four of their last five games.
Montpellier’s Nicolas Pays, who has been in excellent form with four goals in his last four matches, continued to be a threat, but his efforts were not enough to secure a result, as reported by RMC Sport.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Montpellier will look to rebound from this setback when they travel to Balagne for their next match in the Coupe de France, as noted by AllezPaillade.com.
“I hope we can do this with everyone,” he said, emphasizing the need for consistency across all matches, not just against high-profile opponents like Montpellier.
Related reading
