PLAYER RATINGS | Lyon 1-1 Reims: Dominant OL fail to make chances pay | OneFootball

Both Lyon and Reims were both looking to gain momentum in the run for the final European spots in Ligue 1 after the interruption of the March international break. OL came into the match in good form with two wins against Lorient and Toulouse before the international break.

The first half lacked real quality from both sides. Lyon were the dominant side but didn’t have the cutting edge to punish a resolute Reims defence. Ainsley Matiland-Niles had perhaps the best chances of the first half with two efforts which were both blocked in quick session with the Diouf absent between the posts. OL had several corners within the first half but were unable to make inroads from deadball opportunities.

Reims grew in confidence in the early stages of the second half and looked to take control of the game. A couple of decent chances fell to the visitors before they managed to take the lead. Joseph Okumu delivered the hammer blow to OL as he managed to convert the rebound following a header which hit the crossbar. Caqueret had the opportunity to deliver an instant response for OL but his effort was straight at Diouf.

With a lack of attacking imeptus on the pitch, Lyon turned to their substitutes to turn the match around and they did just that. Saïd Benrahma delivered a wonderful cross to the far post with Nuamah in the perfect position to head home and level the game.

Another substitute, Mama Baldé, had a glorious opportunity to give Lyon the lead but instead of taking aim he dived over Diouf expecting contact but none arrived. A massive opportunity that went begging for OL.

Amir Richardson almost won the match for Reims with a rasping effort from distance in the final minutes but Lopes managed to turn it over with a brilliant stop. This would be the last big chance of the game with the final whistle meaning the two teams couldn’t be separated.

Lyon player ratings:

Anthony Lopes – 7

Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 4, The former Arsenal man was active in forward areas from right back but struggled to make any impact when feeding Lacazette and Gift Orban in the area. He also had positive chances in the box to give Lyon the lead but couldn’t take them.

Jake O’Brien – 6

Duje Ćaleta-Car – 6

Henrique – 6

Corentin Tolisso – 5

Nemanja Matic – 6

Maxence Caqueret – 6

Rayan Cherki – 4, Underwhelming. Cherki tried his utmost best to stamp his mark on the game but really struggled to have any impact in attacking areas. His choice of pass looked off and overall lacked the decisiveness in the final third. He was subsequently replaced by Nuamah at the break.

Gift Orban – 5

Alexandre Lacazette – 5

Ernest Nuamah – 7, In earnest, the Ghanaian international made a real difference when he entered the pitch and was rewarded with a goal from a brilliant Benrahma cross but his efforts in attack were not enough to salvage three points for OL. He often looked alone at times in attack but tried his best to win the game.

Saïd Benrahma – 6

GFFN | Liam Wraith