Dominating is not winning

The Context

After two initial games that showcased the "Eirik Horneland" touch, Les Verts hosted a direct rival for survival this Sunday: FC Nantes! This match took place in a Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium deprived of its supporters’ kops for the second and final time. The Canaries managed to hold AS Monaco to a draw last weekend, even leading 2-0 shortly after halftime before being caught. Tied on points before this game, Les Verts could, with a victory, overtake their opponent of the day as well as Stade Rennais, who lost 2-1 to Brest yesterday.

The Starting XI

Ill and ruled out at the last minute, Pierre Ekwah, an important player in the Saint-Étienne midfield, was replaced in the squad by Ayman Aiki. On the field, Lamine Fomba stepped in for the recently turned 23-year-old. While the backline remained unchanged, the offensive line saw a significant adjustment, with young professional Djylian N’Guessan, just 16 years old, making his first career start. After two substitute appearances against Reims and Paris, the youngest player in Europe’s Big Five leagues to make an appearance took another step forward in his budding career.

👊 Le XI stéphanois pour #ASSEFCN… avec une première !

La titularisation de Djylian N’Guessan, 16 ans, sur le front de l’attaque ! 💚 pic.twitter.com/hKCxkfgcF6

— AS Saint-Étienne (@ASSEofficiel) January 19, 2025

The Match

Taking advantage of defensive confusion, Abline found himself alone in a tight angle against Gautier Larsonneur. The Saint-Étienne goalkeeper won the duel (7’). Following another poor defensive clearance, Simon recovered the ball and unleashed a rocket under the crossbar from the edge of the box, giving Nantes the lead (ASSE 0-1 Nantes, 14’). In response, Louis Mouton carried the ball forward and attempted to pick out Djylian N’Guessan in a tight space (16’). Ten minutes later, Lucas Stassin’s shot was blocked by Pallois (25’). Les Verts then multiplied their corner kicks, creating danger for Lopes’ goal without breaking through. At halftime, despite 78% possession, Les Verts found themselves trailing.

Returning from the break, Les Verts created their first big chance after a high recovery and some good work from Lamine Fomba, who set up Djylian N’Guessan. Unfortunately, the young player opened his foot too much, and his shot grazed Lopes’ post (47’). Frustrating! Saint-Étienne’s positive intentions were frequently interrupted by Florent Batta’s whistle, which blew consistently throughout the half. Once again, corners brought danger, and the introduction of Augustine Boakye added speed and dynamism to the Saint-Étienne attack. Receiving a deflected cross, Zuriko Davitashvili unleashed a brilliant volley, only for Castelletto to block it at the last moment (72’). Pressed deep in their own half, the Nantes team resisted every wave of attack. Despite multiple efforts from Zuriko Davitashvili (76’), Augustine Boakye (81’), and Lucas Stassin (84’), frustration mounted for Les Verts faithful. Finally, a thunderbolt from Augustine Boakye smashed into the right side of Lopes’ net, making it 1-1 (86’). In the final moments, despite chances on both sides, the score remained tied, allowing both teams to take a point.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par AS Saint-Étienne (@asseofficiel)

What’s Next

Les Verts won’t return to the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium until the second weekend of February. Until then, two consecutive away games are on the schedule. Eirik Horneland and his men will first travel to Auxerre next Friday, followed by a trip to Lille on Saturday, February 1st. The home match against Rennes will mark the return to Geoffroy-Guichard with its two vibrant supporter stands fully operational.