For the 12th day of the National, Nîmes Olympique was surprised at home (1-3) by a team from Epinal who scored their first success of the season. With this setback, the Gardois lost four places, now 10th in the ranking.
Remove (3) : for his first start of the season in the league with NO, the Cameroonian international touched his first ball… going to get it in the back of his net, closely beaten by Lepaul (1-1, 10th). Author of a beautiful horizontal on Colin’s wrapped free kick which he takes out for a corner (27th). Conversely, two minutes later, he had difficulty controlling his exit and unbalanced Lepaul, causing a penalty which the Spinal striker transformed to sign a double by taking him on the wrong foot (1-2, 29th), the latter becoming the best National scorer. Surprised by a false rebound on the final Spinal achievement (1-3, 90th + 4).
Labonne (4) : two months after his last start (3rd day against Le Mans), the former Lorient player, recovered from his broken toes and already restarted during the last 45 minutes at Vauvert, in the Coupe de France (one goal), was once again lined up as a right piston, also in the absence of Burner (knee). In this position, and in this system, the quality of the centers is of great importance. Area in which there was far too much waste.
Guess (3): the native Cevenol very rarely passes through but that is nevertheless what happened against Epinal. Suffering, in the first period, against his direct opponent Camara, he also defended in retreat against the latter, decisive passer on the first Spinal offensive concluded by Lepaul (10th). A performance to forget very quickly for ”Guess”, who came out angry to say the least when he was replaced by Good (83rd), author of a good defensive return (88th) then of a shot that was too quick (90th + 1).
Diouf (4): taken behind his back by Lepaul’s call on the Epinal goal (1-1, 10th). Relatively in little danger the rest of the time, he cleanly cuts off an opening for Lepaul who had gone deep (45th). Cleared by Labissière on Epinal’s third goal (1-3, 90th + 4).
Mendy (cap., 4) : too close to catch Lepaul and prevent him from scoring his 6th goal of the year. Apart from this action, he has never been found wanting, reliable in his interventions.
Diallo (5) : as always, he spared no effort in his left lane, providing crosses which, unfortunately, did not always find a recipient. Sy he started to like it (76e).
Sacko (4): his profile appeals to coach Frédéric Bompard. He does the things he knows how to do. His versatility remains more of an asset than a liability even if, technically, he can sometimes lack accuracy. Supplied by Delpech (64th). The new entrant who impeccably launches Mbina into the action where the crocodile attacker finds Boina’s post (67th).
Doukansy (5) : still as dominant in his position in front of the defense, where he combines physical density, technique (a few well-felt crosses) and tactical intelligence. Huge overall volume. One of the rare Crocs to float.
Picouleau (4) : the attacking midfielder gave himself his second assist of the season by serving Mbina on the opening score. Except for the quality of his set pieces, did not sufficiently influence the midfield the rest of the time. A little more inside since two championship matches.
Thoumin (3) : generous, voluntary but not always inspired in his offensive initiatives, containing a lot of waste and inaccuracies in the zone of truth. It remains a little light at this level. Replaced by Wade (64th), who showed little more, also not very sharp. His unscrewed shot ended up on the highway (90th).
Mbina (5) : ideally launched in depth by Picouleau, the Gabonese international only took… 18 seconds to find the opening, winning his face-to-face with Spinal goalkeeper Boina (1-0, 1st). His header, from Picouleau’s free kick, goes just over (33rd). Starting at goal, but at the end of the race, loses his duel with Spinalian central defender Laurent (49th). Does not make the right choice when entering into a duel with Boina, poking his ball with first intention, to find the post, while hooking the Vosges goalkeeper would have seemed quicker (67th).
#Nîmes #Olympique #disappointment #Epinal #notes #Crocos
