Savanier plays as Montpellier beat Strasbourg
Montpellier Hérault SC 2-1 RC Strasbourg Alsace
THE GAME
Jonas Omlin was back in goal for Montpellier after missing last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Angers SCO, and he got a scare early in the game when Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel nearly crossed the row (11th). But the locals quickly manage and visiting midfielder Jean-Eudes Aholou is relieved to see the ball deviate from the post of Matz Sels after receiving a corner from Savanier on the shoulder (15th). The Paillade soon released. Again, a free kick from Savanier caused danger, and Nordin did well to beat Mouhamadou Diarra at the near post to head home (17th). Montpellier thought they had doubled their advantage at the end of the half when Nicolas Cozza fired another free kick from Savanier which came to him via Nordin, but the defender was ruled offside (45’+1).
Late drama
Montpellier continued to claim another in the second half, and Alexander Djiku had to be on his guard to meet a new delivery from Savanier in front of Elye Wahi (51st). Strasbourg was nevertheless looking for a share of the spoils when Habib Diallo restored parity four minutes from the end, converting on a half-volley after Lebo Mothiba had put him in check (86th). But Monptellier simply refused to lower his head, and after Khalil Fayad headed in Joris Chotard’s cross on the Sels crossbar (90’+1), Valère Germain was awarded a penalty by Jean- Ricner Bellegarde and Savanier returned to goal (90′). ‘+5) and seals the three points for Olivier Dall’Oglio’s side.
THE PLAYER: Teji Savanier
Savanier was a class above any other player on the Stade de la Mosson pitch on Saturday. A graduate of the Montpellier academy, he would surely have been capped at full international level for France had he been given his first chance by the club, rather than returning in 2019 after forging his path with AC Arles-Avignon and Nîmes Olympique. He now has three goals and one assist in five games this season.
THE STAT: 20
Strasbourg conceded 20 fouls today, providing Savanier with the platform to deliver even more nasty deliveries to their box, not that he needs another invitation. Montpellier only had two more shots on goal than them in the end – if Racing can clean up their act, they should walk away from the danger of relegation.