Lyon lets points slip away once again. The OL failed to win against Angers on Sunday (0-0) and recorded their ninth consecutive match without a victory in all competitions. With a potential win, Lyon could have climbed to a podium position while waiting for the clash between Monaco and Marseille later that evening.
Lyon remains stuck in 5th place with 48 points, under threat from ASM. On the other hand, for SCO (12th), this 33rd point of the season is crucial in their quest for survival, even though it is not yet mathematically secured.
Tolisso and Sulc struggles
Despite the break not being restful for their internationals, Lyon hoped to regain momentum and end their series of five winless matches, including three defeats in Ligue 1, along with their elimination against Celta Vigo in the Europa League.
Lacking inspiration and sharpness, Lyon never found the spark against the well-organized and disciplined Angers side, who lacked ambition in their gameplay. Facing an opponent they had beaten eleven times in their last twelve encounters, Lyon should have performed much better.
Only Afonso Moreira, on the left flank, injected movement and energy, contrasting with Endrick who was completely contained by Jacques Ekomi and company. The physical state of Paulo Fonseca’s players was also evident with the substitutions of Peter Sulc in the 55th minute, after being examined on the ground by the doctor, and Corentin Tolisso in the 64th minute. The Lyon captain had been dragging his foot and holding his left thigh after a shot in the 48th minute, easily saved by Koffi but being the first semblance of an opportunity in the match.
Uncertain end of the match
The substitutions by both sides loosened up the end of the game, with Angers taking more chances after Prosper Peter’s introduction (68th minute), but also offering space to the visitors, to whom they gave the ball back too quickly on numerous occasions.
Roman Yaremchuk, Sulc’s replacement, added presence up front, Rachid Ghezzal, who came on for Tolisso, brought verticality in passes, and Khalis Merah added movement, but Lyon still struggled to create clear-cut chances in front of the opposing goal.
It’s safe to say that the final stretch will be tough for Lyon, who still have to visit the Parc des Princes and host Rennes and Lens in the last six matchdays.
