MAN OF THE MATCH: GELSON MARTINS (7) : The man of the match on the Monaco side and of the match itself. Criticized in his last outings, the Portuguese has achieved some great things today. On the defensive side already with exemplary fighting spirit and abnegation, but that we were used to, it was on the offensive side that he finally expressed his full potential. He went to recover the ball himself, eliminating three defenders from Saint-Etienne, just on his quality of run and his perfect pass for Volland. Finally a benchmark match for him.
AS Monaco (4-4-2)
Mannone (6): Finally a reference match for Mannone, decisive on several occasions on the 18 shots from Saint-Etienne. Beautiful flights and reflex stops on the attempts of Bouanga and Hamouma in the second half. He is heavily involved in maintaining the draw. He still has to do better on Debuchy’s goal.
Aguilar (5): The ex Montpellier has been going through a difficult period in recent games, just like his team. Unheard of bullet losses, often rough placement and rubbish in the offensive input. The truce comes at the right time for him.
Maripan (5) : Established for the second time in a row by Kovac, invoking the need for experience behind, we can say that the Chilean was extremely naive about his duel with Bouanga where he was tricked like a rookie, even if the decision to whistle penalty is severe. Paradoxically more serene at 10, he was able to express his sense of defensive combat.
Disasi (5): In the hard. Sometimes risky reminders and too lax branding. Even if rare climbs with the ball at the foot have been good, his defensive play and ball at the foot remains feverish.
Caio Henrique (4,5): We could use the same words as against Dijon last week. Too shy and hesitant. Stereotypical and often backwards play. The decisive player seen at the Parc des Princes is slow to reappear. Replaced by Sidibé (60th), a little more toned.
Matazo (5) : Very discreet for his first tenure ended in a very severe expulsion of Mr. Hamel where he is not even at fault (35th). He will remember this for a long time.
Chouameni (4) Even today he was too absent from the proceedings, although there was better in the second half. A little blunt at times, his long game could not be expressed and dangerous loss of balls could have been fatal to the Red & Whites.
Diop (6.5): Another superb performance from the best Monegasque since quite a few matches, rewarded with a superb technical mastery goal after a triangle game with Ben Yedder and Gelson Martins. Victim of the logical tactical change following the exclusion of Matazo and therefore replaced by Luis at half-time, which densified the Monegasque environment.
Volland (6.5) : 7th goal for Kevin Volland, decidedly the spearhead of the Monegasque attack. Always well placed and intelligent in the game, he had the merit of believing in the superb solo action of Gelson Martins. Replaced by Ballo Toure (86th), who almost managed an assist late in the game.
Ben Yedder (6) : Still in bad shape in the game, the native of Sarcelles heals his stats all the same. A decisive passer for Diop on the opening goal of Monaco, he too went into action as soon as Monaco fell to ten. Replaced by Pellegri (70th), harmless.
AS Saint-Etienne (4-5-1)
Mill (4): A poorly mastered match on the part of the Stéphanois goalkeeper, notably illustrated by hazardous exits and often approximate reminders.
Debuchy (6): Scorer for the Greens’ equalizer (1-1), with a nice header out of reach for Manonne. Tonic always well placed.
Sow (5) : In the shadow of Kolodziejczak, he didn’t have much to do tonight due to Saint-Etienne’s numerical advantage. Still guilty of losing the ball to Gelson Martins who cost the Monegasque equalizer.
Kolodziejczak (5): A little inward start to the match illustrated by a poor alignment which led to Monaco’s opening scoring. More serene thereafter.
Trauco (6): Lots of activity in the middle, with sobriety and above all efficiency. He ventilated Saint-Etienne’s game well with his sense of conservation and forward play.
Aouchiche (5): A somewhat disappointing match for the former Parisian, which we are still waiting for the click. Little decisiveness in the game despite an obvious sense of passing. Not sharp enough. Replaced by Hamouma at the 58th.
Camara (6): Satisfaction for the Greens to Louis II this evening. Aggressive and spontaneous, he framed the Monegasque attackers who were never able to find shooting angles. Author of some faults at the end of the match which cost him a warning and which tarnish his performance.
Neyou (7): Big activity and a definite influence on all his teammates. The hub of ASSE. Traffic, delay and vista, he’s the boss.
Bouanga (7): Scorer and decisive tonight but with the complicity of the referee body, dare we say. A lot of vice and experience on the penalty obtained following an unobvious foul by Maripan. Replaced by Krasso (70th), which did not show up.
Monnet-Paquet (4,5) : A surprise start following Khazri’s forfeit, he was not unworthy of his return to the lawns of Ligue 1. Volunteer in running and percussion, we feel he is still short of pace. Replaced by Nordin (70th), which caused concern to the Monaco defenders by his conduct of the ball and his strikes.
Gourna (4,5): A fairly ordinary match. He seemed to live by the encounter. Victim of the tactical change of Puel on the Monegasque exclusion and replaced at half-time by Boudebouz, little in sight.