PLAYER RATINGS | Nice 1-0 Le Havre: Francesco Farioli’s side guarantee European spot | OneFootball

Ligue 1 Uber Eats, Round 33, 10/05/24

OGC Nice fulfilled their objective against Le Havre AC, guaranteeing that European football will be played at the Allianz Rivier next season. The 1-0 victory consolidated their fifth-place standing and saw them close the gap to Lille OSC, whom they face on the final day of the season.

The state of play quickly became clear. Le Havre quickly organised themselves into a low block and challenged Nice to unlock them. It is a task that Le Gym have often failed to accomplish this season, and whilst chances were at a premium for Francesco Farioli’s side, they did get their goal.

Jérémie Boga capitalised on the chaos within the Le Havre box from an Antoine Mendy throw-in, chasing after a slight Khéphren Thuram knock-on and blasting into the roof of Arthur Desmas’ net. Further half chances followed in the first half and had Mohamed Ali-Cho been more selfish and shot, rather than teeing up the offside Khéphren Thuram, Nice perhaps would have doubled their advantage.

Terem Moffi certainly should have done that just after the break but from close range, he could only blast into Desmas’ face. Nice didn’t create many chances and nor were they at their most clinical but Le Havre were unthreatening and never tested Marcin Bulka. Le Havre remain threatened by relegation but Nice are now certain to play some form of European football.

Nice player ratings

Marcin Bulka – 7

The Polish international wasn’t forced into making a crucial stop all match but often under pressure from the Le Havre press, he constantly found the right ball and executed perfectly. He truly is like another outfield player for Nice and it is such an advantage in build-up.

Melvin Bard – 5

Dante – 5

Jean-Clair Todibo – 5

Antoine Mendy – 7

A surprise choice at right-back, the academy product certainly justified Farioli’s decision, putting in an assured performance, both in and out of possession and linking up well with Cho down the right-hand-side. Substituted, seemingly through injury, just before the hour mark.

Khéphren Thuram – 6

A much more controlling and creative performance from the France international, who is returning to something like his best form towards the end of the campaign. His finishing and composure in goal-scoring situations remains an issue, however, and was once again tonight.

Pablo Rosario – 5

Morgan Sanson – 6

Jérémie Boga – 7

Terem Moffi – 4

A difficult night for the Nigerian, who, unlike his partners in attack, struggled to get much joy against the Le Havre defence. He didn’t prove to be the focal point that Nice needed and missed a big chance early in the second half before his withdrawal just minutes later.

Mohamed-Ali Cho – 6

An impressive first-half performance and a ghost-like second-half showing. He caused Le Havre all sorts of problems and could have had an assist had Moffi not proven so wasteful. His influence waned significantly in the second half before being substituted late on.

Le Havre selected player ratings

Yassine Kechta – 6

Christopher Operi – 7

GFFN | Luke Entwistle