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AS Monaco suffer defeat away at Lille

AS Monaco’s winning streak disappointingly came to an end, losing 2-1 away at Lille OSC.

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Despite going in at half time level, second half goals from Jonathan David and Yusuf Yazici gave Les Dogues the upper hand. Pietro Pellegri would positively claw one back late on, but ultimately it wasn’t to be for Niko Kovac’s men.

When speaking afterwards, Kovac lamented his side’s concession of two avoidable goals while also noting what an even clash it was. “It was a very close, balanced game, which is difficult for me to analyse in the immediate aftermath,” he asserted. “I think there were possibilities on both sides, but in the end with these two mistakes we lost.

“In my mind a draw would have been fairer, because there was nothing very spectacular, from one side or the other. Obviously when you lose a game like this you can only be disappointed.”

Although Monaco enjoyed 58.6% possession, a clinical Lille, who were excellent in transition, managed to outshine them in Expected Goals (1.14 to 0.44), shots (10 to six) and counter attacks (seven to one).

Following this tough loss, Monaco will quickly switch their focus to another crunch clash against an in-form Olympique de Marseille away from home. Knowing they’ll need to improve if they’re to return home with a victory, expect Kovac’s side to produce a far better display, as a win is a must to keep them in the hunt for the Champions League qualification spots.