Lyon hosted Nantes at the Groupama Stadium looking to build up on a 3 game winning streak across all competitions after a slow start to the season. The visitors arrived following a disappointing result against ASSE where they collapsed with a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2.
Moses Simon had the first big chance of the game for the visitors after he escaped into a dangerous position, but Perri was able to close down the angle at his near post and deny the Nigerian. However, it would be Lyon that opened the scoring. Benrahma’s inswinging cross allowed Tagliafico to make a near post run and convert beyond Lafont.
Nantes almost equalised through their captain Chirivella, who was unmarked at the back post, but a vital intervention saw Tagliafio block the shot and force a corner. Cherki then went close to scoring a second for Les Gones and one that could’ve been a contender for goal of the season. The 20-year-old beat two players with dancing feet before bending his shot goalwards but Lafont was equal to it.
After an impressive display midweek, Fofana continued to cause problems and went close with an effort from a tight angle, which hit the post. Les Gones deservedly led 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, Lyon continued to put sustained pressure on Lafont’s goal and were rewarded with a second goal. Tolisso’s dangerous cross was turned into the Nantes net by their own player as Nicolas Pallois couldn’t evade the low ball. Abline went close to finding Nantes a route back into the match, but Perri palmed his effort away from goal. Almost instantly, Nuamah went up the other end of the pitch and hit the post. Mostafa Mohamed threatened late on but Perri was equal to his effort.
Mikautadze almost scored his first goal for the club but Lafont denied his effort and Caqueret squandered a good opportunity on the rebound. This would be the last chance of the game with OL running out deserved winners and extending their winning run to 4 matches.
Lyon player ratings:
Lucas Perri: 7
Ainsley Maitland-Niles: 6 – The Englishman fought a tough battle with Moses Simon, but more often than not, the Nigerian international came out on top. Most of the visitors’ promising moments came down the Lyon right with the former Arsenal right-back regularly targeted but holding his own on a difficult afternoon winning more duels than any other player.
Duje Ćaleta-Car: 6
Moussa Niakhaté: 6
Nicolás Tagliafico: 7 – In both boxes, the World Cup winner was largely influential. Scoring the opening goal, the defender showed great attacking awareness to make his run to the near post. In defence, the Argentine provided a couple of vital interventions and put in a solid all-round display.
Corentin Tolisso: 6
Jordan Veretout: 5
Saïd Benrahma: 7
Rayan Cherki: 7 – Continuing his good run of form, the 20-year-old provided another confident showing. Although there were no goal contributions, Cherki caused danger with his quick feet and choice of pass. On another day, the OL academy graduate could have scored a truly impressive brace.
Malick Fofana: 6
Alexandre Lacazette: 5
