Nice was held to a 1-1 draw on Angers’ field, a logical sharing of points. Although Nice had more possession of the ball, Angers took the lead with an exceptional free kick by Mangani. After the break, Germain equalized, but the Nice team lacked the efficiency to score a second goal.
It’s a good point, the second taken away from home this season after the completely crazy 3-3 draw at Troyes two weeks ago. Admittedly, the two points lost in this match haven’t been regained, but Nice continues its series and hasn’t lost since the season’s opening match against Monaco (1-2). With 14 goals in the last 15 Ligue 1 matches, Nice is among the top, but the problem lies in defense with a tenth consecutive match with at least one goal conceded.
The first quarter-hour is quite dull with both teams well organized. We have to wait until the 16th minute to see the first shot, by Alassane Plea, which went wide. On their first real action, the Angevins opened the scoring with a wonderful free kick by Mangani. Positioned at the edge of the box, directly in front, the SCO midfielder expertly directed the ball and tricked Mouez Hassen who did not move (1-0, 22nd). However, Nice held the ball with 60% possession and 90% pass accuracy but still lacked the vertical threat favored by Claude Puel. Shortly before halftime, Camara, also from a free kick, nearly deceives the southern goalkeeper, his ball skimming the left post (40th).
Plea the Spark
After the break, likely spurred on by the red and black coach, we see a different Nice team exemplified by an elusive Plea. It took a fine save from goalkeeper Butelle at his feet to prevent the opening goal (47th). Three minutes later, the same Butelle made a palm save after a cross-header from Plea that was heading under the bar (50th). In the subsequent action, Plea, sent deep by Micka Seri, shoots, but Butelle intervenes and deflects the ball for a corner (52nd). Plea, in Act 4, is fouled near the corner post at the edge of the box. Hatem Ben Arfa takes the free kick and expertly places it on the head of Valère Germain, unmarked at the far post, who equalizes (1-1, 56th). It’s simple: the attacking trio has 6 goals, two each for Plea, Ben Arfa, and now Germain. And then, not much happens except a shot from Germain that forces Butelle into another save (81st).
Koziello-Pied-Correia, the Standouts
Nice’s dominance is clear, with Angers having only one shot in the second half and creating just two chances in play. These stats highlight the fine performances of the two fullbacks, Jérémy Pied and Jonathan Correia, as well as Vincent Koziello, who had a very solid match.
“In the first half, we had possession of the ball but struggled to follow through. In the second half, we created many chances, which is why I think we deserved the 3 points. It’s good to score, it confirms our excellent offensive quality,” explained Valère Germain to BeInSports at the final whistle.
Now comes the traditional end-of-summer international break. Ligue 1 will resume for OGC Nice on Saturday, September 12, with the home game against Guingamp. Before the matches this Saturday, Claude Puel’s men are in 10th place, three points away from the podium and three points ahead of the relegation zone. The roster is expected to change in the coming hours with the summer transfer window closing on Monday at midnight. Suspense and patience.
Photo credit and more information at www.ogcnice.com
