In Ligue 1’s Sunday evening kick-off, the occupiers of the league’s relegation spots faced off as Lyon played the hosts to Clermont. Both teams came into the match winless after both teams failed to win in the opening 8 matches. OL were possibly the more desperate of the two teams to gain their first win of the season after their collapse against Lorient.
Despite any Lyon desperation, Clermont took the lead in the opening ten minutes after Muhammed Cham was given the freedom of Lyon to head in at the back post. Shamar Nicholson was the man who created the goal with simple ease though as he teased Lovren on his way into the box before stabbing the ball to the back post for the Austrian to head home. VAR checked to see if the ball brushed the Jamaican’s arm but with no clear angle – the goal was awarded.
OL looked completely flustered after Clermont’s opener with no real composure or control over their play, this allowed Clermont to grow in confidence. Gastien’s team cut through Lyon with ease on the counter with brilliant one-touch football but Nicholson’s final shot was tame.
Les Gones had moments of promise and sustained possession but these moments were fleeting and lacked any form of conviction. Clermont eventually doubled their advantage with a terrific strike from Yohann Magnin which beat Lopes who was off his line. After the second goal, OL’s frustrations became evident with several pot shots from a distance. In the final five minutes, OL did ramp up their intentions of trying to find the back of the net with their best chance falling to Lacazette who hit the bar.
Lyon made a triple change at the break in the hope of mounting a comeback. The introduction of Diawara and Nuamah certainly had a rejuvenating effect on Lyon with the opening part of the second half one-way traffic.
Ten minutes into the second half and Lyon finally breached the Clermont goal. Tolisso whipped a corner played short into the area looking to create a new angle and his ball into the area was flicked off the back of Ogier into the back of the net. A lifeline for Les Gones.
Despite Lyon’s best attempts to use momentum to their advantage, these attempts were unsuccessful and Clermont grew back into the game. Baldé would have a massive to chance with 12 minutes to go to level the game but Pelmard got across decisively to block the shot with great purpose.
Rashani got in behind and almost managed to knock the ball across to Nicholson in the area but Mata managed to make a major intervention and steer the ball away from the Jamaican. Tolisso had a glorious opportunity to head home in stoppage time from Mata’s cross, but Diaw made a terrific save to give Clermont their first victory of the season.
Lyon player ratings:
Anthony Lopes – 5
Clinton Mata – 5
Dejan Lovren – 4, The Croatian was beaten far too easily and never really recovered from it mentally. The 34-year-old was almost given his marching orders when he squared up to the referee following an initial booking.
Jake O’Brien – 5
Henrique – 5
Paul Akouokou – 5
Maxence Caqueret – 7, Caqueret was the only constant in Lyon’s performance. He was all over the pitch in attacking and defensive phases of play and had a real influence despite the difficult circumstances.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 5
Rayan Cherki – 5, The 20-year-old tried his best to create serious openings but was unsuccessful and failed to have a great influence on the game. He was substituted at half time.
Alexandre Lacazette – 5
Jeffinho – 5
Others:
Ernest Nuamah – 6
Mahamadou Diawara – 6
Corentin Tolisso – 6
Mama Baldé – 5
