Nice remain unbeaten but frustrated by battling Montpellier | OneFootball

Nice remain unbeaten but frustrated by battling Montpellier | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Ligue 1 Uber Eats

·10 November 2023

Nice remain unbeaten but frustrated by battling Montpellier

Article image:Nice remain unbeaten but frustrated by battling Montpellier

Francesco Farioli is still yet to be beaten as Nice manager, however, his side had to settle for just a point against Montpellier. Les Aiglons' status as leaders of Ligue 1 Uber Eats is now under threat.

Montpellier HSC 0-0 OGC Nice

THE MATCH


OneFootball Videos


Nice are yet to trail in Ligue 1 Uber Eats this season, but had only scored 13 goals themselves prior to Friday night's encounter against Montpellier. The stars didn't exactly align for a goal-fest and so it proved.

Both sides started timidly with neither creating a clear-cut opportunity in the opening half hour. However, the game, at least temporarily, burst into life when Akor Adams isolated Jean-Clair Todibo one-on-one, beat him around the outside and blasted a driven shot off the frame of Marcin Bulka's goal (32').

Nice then forged a chance of their own just seconds later. Jérémie Boga ran at the retreating Montpellier defence before laying off Badredine Bouanani, starting his first game of the season, in the box. However, the Algerian international didn't make clean contact with his effort, scuffing wide (34').

Terem Moffi also went close before the break, but his shot within a crowded box was blocked by Falaye Sacko (42'). However, neither side could break the deadlock.

The second-half was an even more closed affair. Khéphren Thuram, in a rare foray into the final third, blazed over from inside the box (53'), whilst Adams struck the woodwork again (58'), however, had the ball hit the back of the net, it would have been pulled back for an offside.

Defences reign

Nice showed more intent as the game progressed with substitutes Sofiane Diop and Evann Guessand bringing extra energy, however, neither side could find a goal. A draw was a fair result with neither side doing enough to take the three points.

Whilst Farioli's unbeaten run (12 games) continues, Nice could lose their place as league leaders this weekend. PSG and Monaco are both in action on Saturday and a win for either will see them claim top spot.

THE PLAYER: Khéphren Thuram

In the absence of Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Thuram filled-in in the No.6 role and impressed. His explosiveness was at least partially masked with the France international asked to play more conservatively, but he excelled in protecting his defenders and keeping things ticking in possession. Versatility is another string in the bow of the promising young midfielder.

THE STAT: 15

Nice are unbeaten in their last 15 matches (nine wins, six draws) in Ligue 1 Uber Eats. It is the club's longest unbeaten run in France's top-flight since November 1958-May 1959 (19 games unbeaten). Farioli's side are also the only team to have not trailed a Ligue 1 Uber Eats match for one minute of the opening 12 rounds since Bordeaux in the 1984/85 season.

View publisher imprint