Dominating the game, especially in the first half, the Greens took three precious points from Angers (0/1). They remain last in L1 but are relaunching in the race to maintain.
It was with a new five-man defense that the Haut-Savoyard started the match. But unlike the derby against OL, except for a save on his line from Bakary Sako (2nd), Saint-Etienne had the upper hand in the first period. Only concern, unfortunately recurring, the inability to be precise in the last thirty opposing meters.
A few minutes before the break, the first beautiful cartridge is even Angevin. Fortunately, it is harvested by Casimir Ninga who does not fit after a disagreement in the defense of the Greens (42nd). And finally, as we headed for a goalless draw at half-time, ASSE unblocked the situation. Yvan Maçon’s center is tackled in his own net by Batista Mendy (0/1, 44th). The Stéphanois pass in front. The timing is perfect.
The second half is more balanced. Arnaud Nordin (61st) and Denis Bouanga (71st) lack some accuracy on two interesting counterattacks. Opposite, Angers finally offers some time of possession, even if Paul Bernardoni does not have to work.
The more the minutes pass, the more the tension becomes palpable. Out of the question to relive the end of the Lensoise match, part in which the Greens cracked in the last 10 minutes. Additional time. Three more minutes to go. Paul Bernardoni comes to capture a ball very high in the air (92nd). It’s over. After seven losses in a row, ASSE won 1/0 in Angers. Logic. It is the first victory since November 2021.
Saint-Étienne is two points behind Lorient (19th), four from Metz (18th) and five from Bordeaux (17th). The maintenance dream continues!