PLAYER RATINGS | Le Havre 0-4 Lyon: Fofana and Cherki impress as Les Gones extend their winning run | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais were hoping to maintain their four match winning run as they travelled to Le Havre on Sunday afternoon. On the other hand, the hosts were looking to end a torrid run of four defeats on the bounce.

Fofana had the first opportunity of the game for Lyon as Cherki lofted a ball to the far post, but the Belgian winger’s effort was blocked on the line and went behind for a corner. The visitors dominated proceedings in the early stages but struggled to fashion clear chances.

Cherki was pulling the strings for OL in the opening half an hour and almost got the assist of the season as he danced through the Le Havre penalty area before producing a rabona cross at the byline which just evaded Lacazette before landing to Caqueret who squandered his chance.

Les Gones eventually would find the match’s opening goal through Abner. After a cross into the penalty area, the ball fortuoitously found its way to the Brazilian international who’s volley found its way into the back of the net after some unconvincing work from Arthur Desmas who was unsighted by the effort. After a first half where they dominated possession and controlled the match, Lyon went into the break with a deserved lead.

Le Havre entered the fray in the second half with a renewed intention. The hosts put a Lyon side, who were under no pressure in the first half, in an uncomfortable position with sustained possession and efforts at Perri’s goal. However, against the run of play, Lyon scored with a decisive breakaway. Caqueret regained possesion in midfield before Tolisso allowed the Belgian winger to burst in behind and round the keeper for a simple finish.

Ndiaye almost responded instantly for the hosts but Perri was equal to his effort. Cherki’s presence in the match continued to grow when he did well to find Lacazette in acres of space at the back post. The captain made no mistake with a simple finish and extended the Rhône club’s lead.

Benrahma should have made it four after some nice play from Nuamah to get him through on goal but his shot was tame and saved by Desmas. At the second opportunity, Benrahma had his goal. After a long throw from Perri, the winger did well to control and link up with Mikautadze before sliding the ball home beyond Desmas.

Lyon Player Ratings:

Lucas Perri – 6

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6

Clinton Mata – 6

Moussa Niakhaté – 6

Abner – 7

Maxence Caqueret – 6

Corentin Tolisso – 7

Jordan Veretout – 5

Malick Fofana – 7, Once again, the Belgian international was a menace in attack. Whether it be with the ball at his feet or running in behind, the unpredictability of his movement and decision making made him a constant threat. He expertly took his goal by rounding Desmas.

Rayan Cherki – 7, Before the break, the Frenchman was pulling all the strings and created some great openings. He also played with freedom allowing him to show off impressive skills on the ball. The attacking midfielder was marked much tighter in the second half and but that didn’t stopping him having the same influence – producing a brilliant assist for Lacazette’s goal.

Alexandre Lacazette – 6

Selected Le Havre Player Ratings

Arthur Desmas – 4

Yoann Salmier – 5

Oussama Targhalline – 6, The Morrocan international was the beating heart in midfield for the hosts. In an attempt to find a route into the match, Targhalline constantly played with the intention of moving play forwards and carried his team up the pitch.

GFFN | Liam Wraith