Toulouse – LOSC [J28]: Outstanding Performances and Unimpressive Moments

LOSC traveled to Toulouse with ambition and wanted to offer Toulouse before the break. Objective achieved, not without difficulty in the first period. Above all, the Mastiffs were able to count on usually more discreet players to win. Discover the tops and flops of this meeting of the 28th day of Ligue 1.

The tops

Players who have known how to reveal themselves

Injuries oblige, LOSC must do without many of its players. In fact, the place is freed up for other protagonists, who can seize their chance. This is the case of Alexsandro, aligned in the central hinge alongside José Fonte. The Brazilian is taking advantage of Tiago Djalo’s package until the end of the season, and was preferred to Leny Yoro. Once again, Paulo Fonseca made a winning choice and bet, like against Brest. Scorer from a corner, Alexsandro confirms all the good thought of him lately and seals at that moment a precious victory. Behind, it is Mohamed Bayo, freshly entered into play, who makes the break. He too has little playing time and has taken advantage of the breach. These two men could well know a turning point, or not…

Paulo Fonseca has (finally) managed to keep the score

Nantes, Lyon, Paris: there are many matches where LOSC was in good shape. However, each time, the philosophy of the Portuguese technician cost him precious points. This time, the lesson seems to have been learned. Evidenced by the tactical change made by the coach in the 85th minute with Leny Yoro who replaced Jonathan David. At that point, the Mastiffs went to five in defense, just five minutes from the end of added time. This tactic is rare to be highlighted, as it is difficult for Paulo Fonseca to deny his principles of play. In Toulouse, caution was in order and paid off. Something to think about for the next meetings after the break…

The Lucas Chevalier show

As in many matches, would the outcome be the same without him. This is the question that has once again arisen at the Stadium in Toulouse. Author of many stops, the international hopefuls made around eight stops. Enough to make Didier Deschamps pale, who will have to continue to observe him. From the outset, Chevalier proved intractable and laid the foundations against Fares Chaïbi. Behind, nothing happens and his performance is gaining momentum. Decisive in all compartments, it is transformed into a Great Wall of China. Also, his stop in the very last seconds sounds like the rescue of victory for LOSC. While Vincent Sierro’s header started well, Lucas Chevalier deflected it with his fingertips. An individual feat symbol of a crazy performance.

Les flops

Frames absent (or almost)

For some players, the encounter was more difficult than expected. Starting with Jonathan David, alone at the forefront of the LOSC attack. In 89 minutes, the Canadian has only touched 41 balls, one out of two lost or left to the opponent. Offensively speaking, he only made one shot which was not even on target. The same goes for Jonathan Bamba on the left wing, harmless for the opponents. For his part, the passes were hardly more supported than his teammate at the forefront, far from it (82% successful). In the middle also, the traditional executives did not respond, at least did not fly over the game. Be careful to look after the regularity of a team, which will be essential for Europe.

Pavel CLAUZARD

Photo credits: Hugo Pfeiffer/Icon Sport