TOPS
Strength of character
Claude Puel was waiting for his players to stand together, at a time when the Greens are in a crisis of results. On Saturday, it was served. Led twice, the Greens were able to come back each time and then pass to win (3-2). A victory in forceps, which can be founding for the second part of the season.
Worn by executives
Since the arrival of Claude Puel, young people have taken an important place.
Saturday evening, this youthful wind was symbolized by the first pro goal of Charles Abi (19) on a pass from … Mathieu Debuchy (34).
Experienced men were instrumental in qualifying. Wahbi Khazri, goal scorer, was everywhere. Yohan Cabaye was the best in the middle of the field and behind, Loïc Perrin made the profession speak on the few hot balls at the end of the game. Finally, Mathieu Debuchy, ferryman, also offered the victory with a raging whim.
THE FLOPS
The two goals conceded
With the exception of four blocks (6th, 22nd then two goals 24th, 55th), the Saint-Etienne defense was not really in danger.
However, she struggled to fight against the speed of Parisian arrows: Mandouki, Pitroipa, Ménez. The trio streaked towards Stéphane Ruffier without asking for their rest as soon as they could. The Greens were trapped like bruises on goals. On the opening of the score, an action constructed and concluded wonderfully between accelerations and play with one or two touches of the ball allowed the former French international striker to be able to adjust Ruffier. On the second goal, Mandouki picked up Cabaye and then Debuchy before going to fix Ruffier and give the ball to ex Rennais, Pitroipa.
The Camara-Aholou duo
If Cabaye was very good, his two midfielder did not shine. Jean-Eudes Aholou was not really convinced for his return as a titular player. He didn’t put the usual impact in the middle and lacked a sharp edge. Before his exit for Honorat in the second half, he was not helped by his coach, who positioned him as a left winger thanks to a tactical reorganization.
Mahdi Camara has aligned a very complicated new performance.
With technical waste, evidenced by this bad right foot pass for Cabaye instead of using the left, the torchbearer supposed to carry the game forward often played behind or too sideways. Since his correct outing in Reims (3-1) compared to the rest of the team, he has had tenure but does not convince.