Three days after their stunning victory in Marseille (5-4), OGC Nice were defeated in Montpellier (3-1). A surprising loss against a team struggling in the standings. Beyond the result, the style of play and the players’ attitude are being criticized.
With 11 defeats this season, Nice has lost as many times as a team like Valenciennes, currently in the first relegation spot. A sad statistic, proof of the decline of the Azurean team this season. The conclusion is clear, OGC Nice will indeed be fighting to stay in Ligue 1 this year.
And the match against the Herault team only confirmed this fact. Troubled throughout the game by a captivating Montpellier side, the Nice players succumbed. Without David Ospina’s (again) stellar performance, the score could have been much worse. From the beginning of the match, the Eagles were overwhelmed, conceding numerous chances. Apart from a minor response at the end of the game, Nice showed next to nothing. A very poor performance, similar to their win in Marseille where the players had, however, experienced much more success.
This playing style might compel Claude Puel to consider a tactical change for the upcoming games. Otherwise, defeats could continue to pile up. On a positive note, the entries of young players Maupay and Bosetti were convincing. The pair scored a goal and may earn starting spots in the future if Claude Puel decides to switch to a 4-4-2 system with the local duo up front.
Despite his recent goal against Ajaccio, Dario Cvitanich is slowing down and struggling to regain his form from last season. In defense, it has not been up to the mark for a long time. Lacking Pejcinovic and, to a lesser extent, Bodmer, the Nice backline suffers against any striker. Full-backs Kolodziejeczak and Puel left wide open spaces for Montpellier’s wingers. Unforgivable at this level!
With this defeat, Nice is 13th while waiting for the day’s matches to conclude, three points behind their opponent of the evening. Next week, Lille will take the test at the Allianz Riviera!
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