The match: 3-1
Monaco is still not sovereign. Even in numerical superiority for 60 minutes, ASM belatedly defeated Saint-Etienne (3-1). The difference came from a brace from Wissam Ben Yedder entered after the hour mark. The Greens had nevertheless been able to equalize before the break but have touched the post three times.
Against the 19th in the standings, the opportunity to finally start their season seemed perfect for Niko Kovac’s troop. But apart from the first intense seconds, it was the Stéphanois who took control of the events. On a diving cross from Wahbi Khazri, Jean-Philippe Krasso saw his deflection hit the post of Alexandre Nübel. In the process, the German goalkeeper was still saved by his amount on a shot from Denis Bouanga (11th).
The game seemed to definitely turn out in the space of five minutes. Kevin Volland first opened the scoring with a powerful strike at the near post, on transition (28th). Youssouf Fofana then found Etienne Green’s helm. And a few moments later, the Stéphanois goalkeeper was expelled after having mowed down Myron Boadu at the entrance of the 16 meters (33rd). It was without counting on the largesse of the defense of the Rock. Taking advantage of the great excitement of Benoît Badiashile, Bouanga brought ASSE back to height before the break (41st).
The Gabonese even believed to offer his family an unexpected success after the break. But his powerful strike still crashed on the post of Nübel (57th). Pity. Because on the next action, Kolodziejczak was at fault with a strange hand gesture in the area. Barely entered into the game, Ben Yedder deceived the young Stefan Bajic on a penalty (62nd). The 19-year-old porter saved the furniture in front of Alexandre Golovine, but he bowed one last time to Ben Yedder (86th). Cruel for the Greens who sink a little more while Monaco is replaced in the middle of the table.
The player: Ben Yedder, bleeding entry
Left on the bench at kick-off, Ben Yedder only needed half an hour to get ASM out of a game that was turning into a trap. Diop left him the task of transforming the penalty when he had not yet touched a single ball. Then Volland, author of his first goal of the season on the opener, offered him the final break after a good action. This double should do a lot of good for the French international and a Monaco still in its infancy.
The fact: the Greens are not helped
Already in immense difficulty since the start of the season, ASSE was unlucky on Wednesday. First there were these two consecutive posts which prevented Krasso and Bouanga from opening the scoring. Then this unfortunate exit which cost Etienne Green a red. Or this new amount which frustrated Bouanga when the score was 1-1. And finally this clumsy gesture of Kolodziejczak sanctioned with a penalty. It was too much, far too much, for a team that has its head underwater.