Despite a series of two victories and an attacking line full of confidence, AS Monaco failed to win in Montpellier this past weekend(1-3). The defensive block’s weaknesses were exposed while the very effective Golovin did not play his best match, collecting a red card that will prevent him from playing the next meeting against Rennes in two weeks. The international break is a welcome one for the men of Leonardo Jardim who will look to regroup and return stronger.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly in the Monegasque universe after two brilliant wins, but the machine again showed that it needs some tinkering while away on the notoriously difficult Mosson pitch. In all objectivity, Montpellier’s success is deserved and the goals from Mollet (31st), Mendes (39th) and Delort (56th) were earned by the better team on the day. Ben Yedder was able to answer (68th), but this effort was not enough to turn the tide. Combative and compact, Michel Der Zakarian’s eleven upset the Monegasque flow of play throughout the game. After a decent start, the home team stymied the visitors’ fluidity, making any real build-up disappear.
A story of statistics
“Our level of intensity was insufficient. We did not manage to charge ahead like in the previous two games with a strong and aggressive team. We lost some balls and let the opponent play, which brought both goals in the first half,” said Leonardo Jardim after the match on the club’s official website. The only positive aspect: the level of new recruit Wissam Ben Yedder (68th). Well served by Islam Slimani, the French international has 6 goals this season. But, with 19 goals conceded in 9 games, ASM can not hope to climb up the rankings at this rate. The club has not allowed more goals at this point in the season since 1975-1976.
Ranked 15th in Ligue 1, Monaco still has work to do. The international break is indeed welcome.
*Article originally published in the French edition of the Monaco Tribune.