Strasbourg – ASSE
2-1
Claude Puel will have nothing more to reproach his players for in terms of engagement, a virtue that is dear to him. His team, once again almost new-look, gave a lot multiplying the efforts to press high Strasbourg people determined to offer a last beautiful evening and a Christmas present before time to their supporters.
Two penalties including one forgotten
But the coach may deplore a new lack of imagination and especially individual errors allowing Ajorque to register his 15th goal in 2019 and Thomasson to widen the gap. In the first period, the great striker from Strasbourg slipped perfectly between Debuchy and M’Vila, surprised, and opened the scoring on the only real opportunity, at the reception of a deposed center of Caci. His whim surprised Ruffier (1-0, 22nd) at the end of ten minutes when the Stéphanois had been the most enterprising, without however being really dangerous.
In the 60th, Thomasson doubles the bet. He takes advantage of Fofana’s misalignment to escape and crucify the green doorman left to his own devices despite the young central defender’s outburst. Just before the double, ASSE had reorganized after the return of Charles Abi for Sergi Palencia. The offensive presence of the international U19, back from injury, is not negligible while the Greens are struggling offensively (57th), like a game where they had 58% possession and where they do will have framed only one of their seven shots, on the penalty obtained – and validated by the VAR – by Abi, tackled by Mitrovic. Boudebouz is not asked to reduce the gap (2-1, 73rd).
Unlimited end of match
Two minutes before the start of the center forward (55 ‘), the Foréziens should already have received a penalty for a stroller from Koné on Nordin, which had gone against. A tactic that the Greens adopted throughout the first half despite often behind passes. It was written, upon seeing the eleven holder, that he would adopt it. They also tried to bring danger on set pieces, between direct free kicks (11th), indirect free kicks (11th, 21st, 37th, 81st) and corners, but without much success.
The reorganization, three in front with the entry of Abi and Beric (for Boudebouz, 76th) offers a boost to the Greens in an unbridled end of match where the two teams throw their last forces into battle, sometimes without control. The Greens are siege in additional time but Beric cannot take over a discount from Fofana.
Previously, M’Vila had saved the furniture (88th), from a sliding tackle of which he has the secret, in the surface, after being ironed in the midfield. Because Zaydou Youssouf, hit a knee, had to give way to Loïc Perrin a few seconds before. Hopefully it won’t be very bad. He would be the ninth Stéphanois in the infirmary during the truce.