4 days after the defeat in Auvergne, which led to Favre’s dismissal and Digard’s appointment, the Gym delivered a high-flying performance on their home ground against Montpellier.
Despite the low attendance at the Allianz Riviera, OGC Nice played a crucial match in their 2022/23 season on Wednesday evening. The elimination by a National team hastened the dismissal of Lucien Favre and the arrival of Didier Digard.
For his debut on the Azur bench, the former captain of the Gym already showcased differences from the Swiss manager’s line-ups. Indeed, Digard opted for a 4-3-3 tactical setup, whereas Favre mostly used a 4-4-2 or setups with 3 center-backs.
Within this setup implemented by Nice’s new coach, one player immediately stood out: Khephren Thuram. Right from the kickoff, he wreaked havoc in the Montpellier defense, providing an assist for a clinical Nicolas Pépé (15th minute) and completing a superb one-two with Dante (35th minute).
Although the first half favored the Gym, the players and Nice staff returned to the locker room level-headed, aware that the match was far from over.
With a commendable spirit instilled by Digard and his assistants, the Azur club showed a newfound determination in the second half. A bit before the hour mark, Pépé sealed the victory for the Gym. With this third goal conceded, the players of La Paillade completely gave up the match to the fresh and conquering Azur players. Substitutes Barkley, Delort, and Bouanani (celebrating his Ligue 1 debut) were decisive. The English midfielder even scored a brace, ending an offensive display. Without their phenomenon Téji Savanier, Montpellier wouldn’t have scored any goal in this match, but the number 11 once again demonstrated his class with an unstoppable free-kick against Schmeichel.
No clean sheet in this 18th Ligue 1 matchday encounter, but a resounding victory for OGC Nice on their home ground. A dream debut for Digard and his staff, who reawakened and unleashed an entire team that had only scored 6 goals at home under Favre. A sensational start for Didier Digard that will have the red and black supporters salivating until their trip to Reims on Sunday.
