Never troubled by a too disorganized Lyon team, the Aiglons reinforced their position as leaders without flinching. And Mario Balotelli even allowed himself to miss a penalty.
In just over a month, Mario Balotelli has practically done it all at Gym: a goal from a penalty, curled shots, a counterattack beautifully concluded, moves of class and others less so, and even a red card later annulled by the referee. Tonight, Super Mario indulged in the “luxury” of missing a penalty at the end of the match. But that did not mar his Dolce Vita with the Nice supporters.
Supporters who can adapt the famous saying: “football is a sport played by eleven against eleven, and in the end, it’s Nice who wins.” This quote is fully justified as once again, the Niçoise were not troubled by Olympique Lyonnais. A Nice team that continues to rise in power and shows increasing solidity.
Before kickoff, Lucien Favre slightly reorganized his team: a sort of 5-4-1, with Seri and Walter as sentinels, supported by Cyprien and Belhanda placed on either side of Mario Balotelli. A daring but immediately rewarding gamble.
For once again, you couldn’t afford to be late at Allianz Riviera. Despite the pouring rain, 28,139 spectators packed the Aiglons’ nest. And after a dubious contact between Yanga M’Biwa and Balotelli that might have earned the latter a penalty, it was in the 5th minute that Paul Baysse, receiving a header from Malang Sarr, blasted Anthony Lopes with a superb half-volley.
Nice took command from the start, and Lyon fell out of their game. Too disorganized and too aggressive, the Lyonnais committed multiple fouls and unsportsmanlike actions. Facing composed, organized, and efficient Nice players in relaunching, nerves frayed, and Nabil Fekir paid the price. On an innocuous ball headed for a corner, the French international kicked Paul Baysse twice before stepping on his arm. Referee Ruddy Buquet didn’t hesitate and sent off the Lyon striker (28th minute).
Nice maintained control while Lyon showed nothing. Few chances, two harmless corners, and the 22 players quietly headed toward halftime. Only a long-range shot from Dalbert just over the bar (41st minute) stirred up the end of a calm first half.
This Gym is great
Upon returning from the locker rooms, Lyon reorganized: Ghezzal replaced Yanga M’Biwa. Tolisso created the first dangerous opportunity, but Cardinale was vigilant. On the other side, Ricardo put on a show with two breakthroughs on the right side, ending with crosses to no avail (51st minute, 54th minute). Just before the hour mark, Rachid Ghezzal weaved through the Nice defense and scared the Gym, before once again being stopped by Cardinale.
Two new Nice chances later (a shot by Walter over the bar in the 60th minute then a soft shot by Dalbert in the 62nd minute), Alexandre Lacazette replaced Jordan Ferri and marked his return to the field. Two more attacking players and Lyon were determined to up their game. But conversely, the new entrant wasn’t found through a too-disorganized midfield. Gonalons and Darder, nonexistent, could not match the formidable Seri-Walter-Cyprien trio (with special mention to the first two) in ball recovery.
It was almost like a reward for a full match that Mika Seri found himself on the rebound of Belhanda’s shot hitting the post to crucify perhaps an overly attentive Anthony Lopes (76th minute) and double the score. 2-0 a quarter of an hour before the end, the deal was sealed.
Balotelli plays a joker
And the bill could have been even more impressive. In the 80th minute, Super Mario was hooked in the box by young Jordy Gaspar. The Italian stepped up to do justice himself, but his shot was too tame and was deflected by Lopes. Not enough to turn the Nice public against him, who continued to applaud him during his last five minutes on the field and after his exit. A final thrill from Cardinale (and his special, a dribble over the forward who came to snatch the ball) and Gym sailed to another victory, impressive in control in all areas of play.
Fewer and fewer imperfections and errors in passing. Some lost balls but nothing worrying. Constant domination and, above all, victories built on power and mastery and not just on game events or luck. This little Gym has grown up.
Many dare the comparison with Montpellier’s champion team in 2011-2012 or with Leicester last season. Maybe a bit early after only nine games. But with 23 points on the board and no losses after nine matches, Nice has every hallmark of greatness. 23 points is better than PSG last year. Speaking of PSG, the Aiglons are assured of staying at least another week at the top: even if PSG wins this weekend, they will, like Monaco, at best have a four-point deficit to Gym.
Enough to offer the Aiglons a joker, taking the form of a risky trip to Metz, next Saturday. Perhaps to confirm that the flattering comparison with Montpellier and Leicester isn’t as far-fetched as one might think.
The stat: 10
That’s the number of points separating Nice from Lyon after the ninth matchday. Needless to say, for the Gones, in search of a podium spot, it’s starting to be a lot…
The reaction of Lucien Favre:
“We played with the same system as Lyon but pressed a bit higher. We were better in recovery and sometimes put them in danger. We didn’t play badly in the first half. It’s good to have tried to score the second. We’ve beaten a fine OL team. We savor it but stick to our match-by-match philosophy. Nice is the only undefeated team, it’s good but nothing more. The championship is very long. It’s good we’re first and started well, but we must keep working.”
The reaction of Younès Belhanda:
“We are being taken more seriously but shouldn’t get carried away: there are still many matches left, including the Europa League. When we step on the pitch, it’s always to win. We’re aware of our qualities and must continue to show them on the field. I try to bring the experience gained from the championships won with Montpellier and Kiev. But I’m not the only one. Balotelli or Dante have won it all. Baysse also brings his experience. It’s a fine mix between the young and more experienced. On the goal, Mika quickly consoled me! Whether it was him or me who scored, it’s the same. It’s 2-0 and three points for the team: that’s the most important.”
