TOPS/FLOPS – Honorat again decisive, returns that count in Montpellier, the offensive void in Nantes… find the Tops and Flops of the Multiplex of the 20th day of Ligue 1.
TOPS
Honorat finally decisive
It’s simple, he was involved in all the Brestois goals during the victory against Angers (4-0). Double decisive passer and author of the third goal, Franck Honorat shone against an apathetic Angevin defense. Already in form against Lens, despite the elimination in the Coupe de France, he seems to be back at his best level. Author of 11 goals and 4 assists last season, he improved his record on this exercise (3 goals, 3 assists). There is no doubt that Honorat’s return to form will delight the SB29, which is finally coming out of the red zone after this 20th day, and which is counting on its strong man for the end of the season.
Lecomte and Mavididi back to save Montpellier
616 days for one, 372 for the other. Almost two years since the goalkeeper returned to Montpellier had not set foot on the lawns of Ligue 1 while his teammate had not scored for over a year with the MHSC. And yet it was they who were decisive in the Montpellier victory at Auxerre (0-2). Author of a double, Mavididi was able to be effective in front to make the difference. But the English striker and his teammates can thank Benjamin Lecomte. Back in the Montpellier colors four years after his departure, the former Monaco and Espanyol goalkeeper proved to be invaluable. Author of five saves and a stopped penalty, he reassured his entire defense. Promising for Montpellier.
Dallinga finally launched?
Recruited this summer and author of 32 goals in the Dutch second division last season, the hopes placed in Thijs Dallinga were numerous on the side of the pink city. But his start to the season disappointed Toulouse. Author of three small goals in 2022, he changed pace in 2023. With a decisive double scored this afternoon against Strasbourg (1-2) he remains on 3 goals in the last 3 games of the TFC. If he regains his confidence and continues, he could well help Toulouse finish in the first part of the Ligue 1 table. Unexpected at the start of the season for the promoted.
FLOPS
Nantes does not want to attack
The show was not at all present in the match between Clermont and Nantes. The Canaries are certainly solid defensively but to win, you have to score and it seems that FC Nantes did not want to. Author of only 4 shots, the men of Antoine Kombouaré did not frame a single attempt. Complicated to win in these conditions. The arrival of Delort could bring solutions ahead to solve this problem. The Clermontois also failed to find the frame of Alban Lafont’s goal. In other words, it’s a game to forget for both teams.
Strasbourg and Gameiro see red
We thought that Strasbourg was doing better and starting well at the start of the year, after the draw against Lens (2-2) and the victory in Lyon (2-1), but the defeat against Toulouse (1-2), a new times at home, plunge the Alsatians back into doubt. The RCSA is now 17th in Ligue 1, in the red zone, after the success of Brest over Angers. Even worse, the Strasbourg will have to do without Kevin Gameiro, excluded at the very end of the match for a bad gesture of anti game (90 + 3 ‘). A gesture synonymous with the lack of confidence, doubt and frustration that reign in the ranks of Racing.