Creative in the first-half, solid and merciless in the second, the Gym went back to the top at home, by dominating a strong Guingamp side (3-1). .

The desire to fight alongside their teammates and to send the Niçois home happy. The pre-match entertainment created a great atmosphere and allowed the Aiglons to return to their best in the first-half and then gave them the spirit needed to hold on when they tired during the second 45 minutes. Against Guingamp, nothing would be easy, as was seen from the first whistle with the pressing game implemented by the Bretons, who would see a goal disallowed for a foul on Yoan Cardinale, back in goal following his injury. The Niçois built upon their unwavering principles and the fantastic support from the stands.

The return of several key Niçois improved the performance of the Red and Blacks, which was seen over the course of the 90 minutes. In the middle, Mika Seri returned from the Africa Cup of Nations with his lightning legs and with a renewed motivation. In front of him, Valentin Eysseric was brilliant for an hour and dictated the play. Between the two of them, they would play an decisive role in the first-half. Eysseric superbly played in Alassane Plea shortly after 10 minutes and the number 14 kept his head and finished off a wonderful team move, rounding Johnson and scoring into the open goal (11’).

Opening the scoring allowed Lucien Favre’s men to open up their game. They would go on to maintain rigidity tactically in defence, set-up in a well-worked and perfectly managed 4-4-3. They maintained possession and looked dangerous. The right decisions were often taken, with the efforts from Dante and Sarr, the transition (the trio Koziello-Cyprien-Seri) dictating the rhythm and pace of the game and the final ball.

Playing as part of the team and fully motivated, Mario Balotelli set up a chance for Arnaud Souquet shortly before the break. The full-back found the psychic Mika Seri. The Ivorian with silky feet doubled the scoring with a strong effort towards goal which deflected off Sorbon  and into the back of the net (39’). A move that capped off an enjoyable first-half for les Aiglons.

The score probably should have been more in Nice’s favour, but Dalbert lacked composure following some decent service from Balotelli (27’), before the Italian international took on three Guingamp defenders and played in Plea who was taken down in the box (33’). Mr Miguelgorry was unmoved.

During the first 45 minutes, Nice would only be put under pressure by a free-kick from Didot that was nobody could get on the end of and just went past the post, as well as a couple of other half-chances.

Resistance in order to win

Like in the first-half, Guingamp tried to put the pressure on the Niçois following the break. The only slight difference, this time it would result in a quick goal for the Bretons. The Gym were pegged back to one. This was quickly followed by a strong shot from Martins-Pereira which was blocked by the midriff of Dalbert (56’), then another shot off-target after a neat turn from Alex Mendy (62’), and then finally punished for being too confident in their ideas. A noble cause…

The action leading up to this reduction of the score? A chance taken at the back, intercepted by the Bretons and put away by Jimmy Brian (’63). As time went on, the Niçois energy faltered. The Gym struggled to get out of its own half. It’s game plan had changed: they needed to hold on to win. This was perfectly managed by Lucien Favre who threw on Paul Baysse to replace Mika Seri, 15 minutes before the end and the 4-3-3 evolved into a 3-5-2 often used this season.

The best defence of L1 needed to stand strong and test its capacity to protect its lead. Dalbert sacrificed for Alex Mendy, then Cardinale dominated his box and punched clear…

The Red and Blacks resisted, Paul Baysse allowed his side to win with serenity. Super Mario secured the victory. Following some strong build-up, Souquet provided the Italian international with a golden opportunity, and he wouldn’t miss and ensured the three points for the Niçois (88’).

The score would remain the same. Before the 22nd weekend of Ligue 1 continues and sees Paris face Monaco, the Gym were once again at the top of the table.

The Gym have put themselves in the best possible position to head to Monaco next weekend...

C.D.

 

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