Mannone, successful interim: the notes of AS Monaco players after the victory at Lens (2-4)
MANNONE (7): Quickly called upon for his first game in over a year, he relaxes beautifully to deflect Fofana’s shot on his bar, then fends off Kakuta’s shot with both fists. Beaten in two stages by Saïd, he must be better supported by Caio. He can’t do anything about Kalimuendo’s goal, but flies well to deflect Clauss’ free kick. An interim full of character.
AGUILAR (5): he plugged the gaps after a difficult start to the game. Hampered by Kalimuendo’s speed in certain situations in the second half, he projected himself with caution and never weighed offensively.
DISASI (6): the main Lensoise actions came from long shots, which is rather a good sign. Little requested in the surface, the colossus lived a quiet match.
MATSIMA (6): vigilant, he cuts a dangerous cross in front of Sotoca (3′) to start his match. Established for the first time since the trip to Graz in C3 at the beginning of December, he delivered a very serious performance with two major interventions on Kalimuendo.
HENRIC (5): he delivers his tenth assist of the season from a center (or a caviar) for Ben Yedder. He controls his lane quite well against Clauss but has to pass in front of Saïd on the Lensois goal.
CHUAMENI (7): placed a skull below Jean Lucas, who sometimes abandoned him a little, he did what he could face the Lensoise waves during the first 15 minutes. His rise to power against Fofana and Kakuta did his team a world of good. Her assist for Ben Yedder after a high recovery put her in the clear.
GELSON (6): heckled at the start, he feasted in the spaces left by the Artesians and played the shots rather well. It is in particular he who finds a good passing interval for Jean Lucas on the second goal. Replaced by JAKOBS (80′).
JEAN-LUCAS (7): in difficulty in the physical impact at the start of the match, he came out of the woods when Monaco set foot on the ball. He was effective in the projection to score his first goal in Red and White and then allow Diop to register the 3-0. His pass behind the supporting foot in the second half deserved to be decisive. Replaced by VANDERSON (80′), author of a fine entry.
VOLLAND (4): absent in Montpellier, the German was the least visible of the Monegasque attackers in the first half. Irreproachable in the pressing, however. He gives way to FOFANA (55′), responsible for restoring the balance in the second half. A tactical choice, more than a punishment.
DIOP (6): in legs, he hurt Clauss and Gradit a lot. His offset in the right tempo for Caio brings Ben Yedder’s goal. His appeal to the far post is a boon for Jean Lucas on the third goal, his ninth of the season. Well found by the latter, he notes the ball of 4-2. Replaced by GOLOVIN (65′), back after a month and a half absence.
BEN YEDDER (7): not really known for his heading game, the captain shows incredible timing to place his helmet shot in the top corner of Leca. More discreet in the second half, he met his team safe from a nice cross shot at the end of the match. He has already scored 20 goals this season!