At the end of Game Week 18 in the French top flight, Paris Saint-Germain claimed the top spot with a win over Olympique Lyonnais, while defending champions Montpellier Herault, along with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-de-Marseille-c40127, registered wins to strengthen their
positions in the Ligue 1 standings
Olympique de Marseille piled the pressure on Paris Saint-Germain and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Olympique-Lyonnais-c40130 with another positive result on the road. Les Phoceens’ home form has been a cause of concern this season, but the way they have been playing away from home is very pleasing
for the supporters. Three points against a team like Toulouse is never an easy task and Elie Baup’s side certainly didn’t find it easy to return with all three points.
Alain Casanova’s side was reduced to nine men even before the half time and the fact that they stopped the Rhone giants from cruising away, is a proof that how strong Les Pitchouns are this season. Andre-Pierre Gignac, who was starting for the first time
since Game Week 9, scored the only goal of the match and coach, Elie Baup would be hoping for the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899 international to remain injury free for the rest of the season.
Due to their Europa League commitments, Marseille have played a lot of games this season and the boss is pleased with the fact that how easily his players have adapted to the situation. The 57-year-old praised his players for their positive attitude, and
is of the view that Les Phoceens are on the right track to achieve club’s objectives this season.
“We are the only team to have played three matches in six days after a lot of games in the Europa League. We will have played 30 matches by the halfway stage in the season, so I have to take my hat off to my players,” said the former Nantes coach while talking
to reporters at a press conference.
Meanwhile, Toulouse coach, Alain Casanova feels that his side was unlucky to end up on the losing side despite playing so well throughout the game. Les Pitchouns were reduced to nine men but the way they played against the Rhone giants has pleased the boss
to large extent.
“It is really cruel. Given the energy we put in, and the defensive rigour, this is a really tough defeat to take,” said the disappointed Toulouse boss.
In the other game of the Week 18, defending champions, Montpellier Herault showed the kind of form that made them champions last season. La Paillade have struggled this season, but a 4-0 scoreline at Stade de la Mosson, would have been a pleasing sight for
Rene Girard.
The boss is of the view that his side has started to play their best games in recent weeks and their hard work has finally started to pay off. However, the Frenchman is not getting carried away and has urged his players to continue improving in order to
climb up the table.
“We played well. We were serious and rigorous and we took our chances too but nothing is ever perfect in football. Things change very quickly; we are playing consistently well and are taking our chances.”
Wins for Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Montpellier have made things interesting in the Ligue 1. How the league table will look going into the winter break is yet to be seen.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and not of bettor.com’s
Tags: