PSG losing..
French League - 'Ligue 1' 2016/17 | AS Monaco Champions!
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
I think the mixed start from PSG shows how influential Ibrahimović was and, perhaps, Blanc as well.
Emery is a very good manager though, so he'll get it right eventually. They're playing good football and creating chances.
At least Ligue 1 is interesting now. There are four teams capable of winning it.
Emery is a very good manager though, so he'll get it right eventually. They're playing good football and creating chances.
At least Ligue 1 is interesting now. There are four teams capable of winning it.
I saw the first half and my god PSG are horrible. Their players couldn't pass to save their lives. Aurier was their only attacking outlet and even he was misplacing passes. Krychowiak was barely in the game and Lucas made Memphis look world class.
How's Di Maria doing?
A childhood acquitance scoring against PSG. Surreal.
What's wrong with PSG this season?
Could it be motivation?
Could it be motivation?
PSG won a lot of games because of Ibrahimovic.
The gap between them and the rest of the league should be far bigger than a Zlatan sized hole. Cavani for all his faults isn't a bad striker?
Not really, people underestimate that league grossly, the actual gap isn't that big. PSG have a very good team but that league have seen better teams, Lille were better under Garcia, Lyon were far better too for a good decade.
And the gap between PSG and the rest was only ridiculous last season. It was closer than people remember the other seasons.
PSG look a bit like us at the moment. Could be better, should be better, but seem lost as soon as they're put under pressure.
Having said that, they weren't too bad last night - a stupid penalty and a bad defensive mistake and voila.
Love it.
Having said that, they weren't too bad last night - a stupid penalty and a bad defensive mistake and voila.
Love it.
And Toulouse won with a 17 year old GK Alban Lafont. And Nice have gotten off to a great start with 17 CB Malang Sarr starting every match.
Really? They were poor all game. None of them could pass the ball and if Toulouse had better quality they could have scored 2 in the first half itself
Emery trying to play a possession game when they don't have players for it nor is he capable of a possession based game tactic.
Emphasis on too....Just like us the past couple of weeks......
Ligue 1 is not as easy as people believe and sometimes things just aren't going your way in football.
Also the fact that every single PSG player already seems to have been injured this season and that no attacking player showed consistent form yet doesn't help.
Also the fact that every single PSG player already seems to have been injured this season and that no attacking player showed consistent form yet doesn't help.
I was thinking about the fact that I don't remember seeing a team succeed in Ligue 1 without playing like an actual team. You can have less talent but you can't have a disjointed unit.
Other than rabiot they had quality players in most areas in comparison to us. Yet they struggle.
Who will be the next big export from France, discounting Lacazette?
Any new Dembele and Martial's hiding out there?
Any new Dembele and Martial's hiding out there?
Serge Aurier has been found guilty of assaulting a policeman in Paris earlier this year.
Two months prison and a fine of a few thousand euros.
Always was a bit of troublesome knob with far more money than intellect.
Whatever you do, Serge, remember not to bend over to pick up the soap if you drop it in the shower.
Two months prison and a fine of a few thousand euros.
Always was a bit of troublesome knob with far more money than intellect.
Whatever you do, Serge, remember not to bend over to pick up the soap if you drop it in the shower.
He isn't going to jail, he will do community service and is going to appeal anyway.
Any Racing Strasbourg fans on the cafe? I was thinking of going to a game now that they're back in ligue 2, any tips? (Do either Valencies or Auxerre bring a decent travelling crowd?)
That Aurier fella doesn't seem to be the brightest. Gets himself in unnecessary trouble.
Mario Balotelli, 4 goals from just 168 minutes.
Bakayoko is playing surprisingly well. Lemar and Bernardo Silva are really wanted by Atletico.
Being wanted by Atletico is all the confirmation we should need. Bakayoko being a DM is surely interesting, also Silva being a RW which we lack imo.
Monaco surely knows how to scoop them up. Perhaps we should take a look at some of their scouts now that we seem to be hiring every scout under the sun.
Amine Harit of Nantes, Alban Lafont from Toulouse and Malang Sarr from Nice are three really young players to watch out for.
If I had to guess, I'd say the biggest French transfer next summer will be Corentin Tolisso or, if he regains form, Nabil Fekir.
In several years, Kylian Mbappe.
Apart from the players mentioned, Ricardo Pereira (on loan from Porto), Seri and Koziello, all playing for Nice, could turn out to be very good players. And if someone is looking for a decent goalkeeper Lecomte from Lorient seems to be a good choice.
Alban Lafont had been playing since Nov 2015. Probably the reason why he is only getting more attention now, is because Toulouse has been doing pretty well lately. Shout out to his teammate Issa Diop too, a physical CB who is first-choice for France national youth team, and only 19 years old
Yann Karamoh (18) is also highly-rated and a first-team player for Caen
Mario Balotelli currently doing the business in the French league. Scoring the winner for Nice then promptly getting sent off. This was probably his last chance and he seems to be grasping it with both hands. Restoring his credibility somewhat albeit in the French league.
As long he listens to Favre, he'll be all right. Maybe the most impressive coach around in terms of maximising the potential of his players.
Certainly an excellent coacch but Nice is the perfect place for a revival: Ben Arfa did very well last year.
The players are happy to play with 'stars' and want them to shine.
He has scored today!
Good to hear. I really hope Balotelli makes it this time. He'd be a truly spectacular player and I actually like him in a way (as long as he's not behaving like an asshole).
1-year-contract with Nice and the name of his agent is Raiola so I'm sure he will find a great club next season or/and get a great salary package
@IRELANDUNITED Falcao is playing well, nothing exceptional for the moment. He has been unlucky with injuries.
Arsenal & Watford watching Alban Lafont
A host of Europe’s elite are watching 17 year old Toulouse goalkeeper Alban Lafont on a regular basis this season, according to L’Équipe.
Premier League duo Arsenal and Watford, as well as Juventus and FC Porto have been watching the French youth international consistently this early on in the season.
Lafont is currently in contract extension negotiations with TFC and is expected to sign a new deal in the coming weeks.
Leonardo Jardim unhappy with Djibril Sidibé
AS Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim ripped into comments made by right-back Djibril Sidibé who appeared to tell journalists this week that he planned on only being at the Principality side for one season before moving to the Premier League.
Jardim had the following to say on the matter:
“I do not think that he said that exactly… What is bad is the attempt by a player to suggest that he is only here for one year. That, that is up to the club, not the player.”
A host of Europe’s elite are watching 17 year old Toulouse goalkeeper Alban Lafont on a regular basis this season, according to L’Équipe.
Premier League duo Arsenal and Watford, as well as Juventus and FC Porto have been watching the French youth international consistently this early on in the season.
Lafont is currently in contract extension negotiations with TFC and is expected to sign a new deal in the coming weeks.
Leonardo Jardim unhappy with Djibril Sidibé
AS Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim ripped into comments made by right-back Djibril Sidibé who appeared to tell journalists this week that he planned on only being at the Principality side for one season before moving to the Premier League.
Jardim had the following to say on the matter:
“I do not think that he said that exactly… What is bad is the attempt by a player to suggest that he is only here for one year. That, that is up to the club, not the player.”
PLAYER RATINGS | The Netherlands 0-1 France – How the French fared
It was imperative for France that they picked maximum points away against one of their biggest rivals in Group A of 2018 World Cup qualifying, but Les Bleus managed to do just that in Amsterdam against a weaker Dutch side that maybe we have grown accustomed to over the years.
As for the individual performances, let’s take a look at who of the French side performed the best, and who will want to forget this game in a hurry!
Hugo Lloris – 7
The captain was not called into action much during the course of the 90 minutes, but whenever Lloris was forced into make a save, he came up trumps and saved France’s skin in the 88th minute with a stop from Memphis Depay. The saves made by Lloris arguably won the game for Les Bleus, emphasizing how important it is for the goalkeeper to remain on his toes.
Helped out by a solid central defensive partnership, Lloris had a rather quiet evening, baring a few moments, and marshaled his defence and helped them keep Holland’s attack quiet.
Djibril Sidibe – 5
The right back had an evening of mixed emotions, but managed to get through it unscathed. Sidibe was caught out a few times defensively, and against a better opponent would’ve been made to pay for his lapses in concentration, but going forward Sidibe provided somewhat of a threat.
It’s clear that Sidibe possesses a large threat in the attacking department, but to really be considered an international level full back he needs to improve his defensive awareness. Too many times he was caught napping, but luckily on this occasion he was let off the hook.
Raphael Varane – 7
One half of a fantastic partnership, Varane was superb at the back to restrict Vincent Janssen to rare glimpses at goal. The Madrid centre back was comfortable on the ball and dealt with any danger convincingly, contributing to his solid performance.
If Varane and Koscielny can keep up this sort of form, then they will be impenetrable over the course of this qualifying campaign, and will finally provide Koscielny with a suitable partner, something he lacked at the European Championships.
Laurent Koscielny – 8
Speaking of Koscielny, the Arsenal man was simply amazing at the heart of the defence. Brave defensive work made him one of the stand out performers Monday night, proving that on occasion Koscielny can be one of the best in the world in his position.
Every Dutch cross was dealt with comfortably by the crown of Koscielny, and despite claims from Spurs striker Janssen for a handball, Koscielny put in a rather clean performance.
Layvin Kurzawa – 5
Similarly to Sidibe, Kurzawa was a threat going forward but was left lacking in the defensive department. Unfortunately for Kurzawa, he was fairly wasteful with his crossing and attacking plays, despite bursting forward at what felt like every opportunity.
It’s clear that Kurzawa is the left back for France for the foreseeable future, but if he keeps up with average and wasteful performances, boss Didier Deschamps may be forced to look elsewhere for defensive stability down the left hand side.
Paul Pogba – 7
The match winner and a game that the Manchester United man really needed to convince some doubters that he has class in the locker. The long-range winner from Pogba was just a glimpse of what he can do when the opposition allows him space in the middle of the pitch, but his game was much more than just that goal.
He controlled the pace of the game with his controlled passing, spreading the play occasionally. Given the criticism Pogba received following his poor display against Bulgaria, the former Juventus man needed to put in a positive performance and he did just that in Amsterdam.
Blaise Matuidi – 6.5
A solid game for the PSG midfielder, who broke up the Dutch attacks with relative ease. For once, he and Pogba looked comfortable together in the two midfield positions, and this game could provide the platform that both need to form a partnership to benefit both styles of play.
Matuidi also tried his hardest to start attacks with some balls out to the full backs and attempted to roll through Griezmann or Gameiro, but never managed to get the ball forward too often.
Dimitri Payet – 5
Payet had an usually poor game on the left hand side of an attacking three, but the West Ham star was kept rather quiet on Monday night. Apart from a nice piece of play where he sent the defender the complete wrong way with a deft drag back and nutmeg, Payet was quiet and ineffective on the proceedings.
Normally Payet is able to be a key source of goals or assists, and whilst he will go down for officially getting an assist for Pogba’s goal, that was more about Pogba than it was Payet. It was not one of Payet’s best games for Les Bleus, but it has not exactly been his season at club level, either.
Antoine Griezmann – 5
Considering how good Griezmann has been at the start of the season for both club and country, he was uncharacteristically quiet against The Netherlands on Monday night. Everything he attempted was either cut out by the Dutch defence or was slightly off the pace of the game, and this affected his Atletico Madrid partner in crime Kevin Gameiro too.
Neither man could create anything in this one, with Griezmann occasionally getting lost in the middle of the pitch and could only watch as the game just passed him by.
Moussa Sissoko – 6
Sissoko emerged from Euro 2016 as a marauding right midfielder who was so strong in his bursts forward, and the same image has stuck with him during the start of his career at Tottenham Hotspur.
This game on Monday night showed us glimpses of Sissoko and his incredible bursts, but they weren’t enough to create any chances like he did in the summer.
That being said, the £30M man wasn’t on the periphery of the game and certainly wasn’t a by-stander like Griezmann, but he couldn’t use his power to his benefit and just couldn’t get into a position to cross the ball into the box or pull it back to the edge.
Kevin Gameiro – 5
Much like his club teammate Griezmann, Gameiro tried to impose himself on the game and did have one good chance that he didn’t take, but that shot aside, he was quiet in the match. He was unable to create any chances and wasn’t able to get many meaningful shots away, and was essentially marked out of the game by Virgil Van Dijk.
After his performance against Bulgaria much was expected of Gameiro, but the Atletico forward disappointed in Holland, but that won’t deter him from trying his hardest to retain his spot as number one striker for France. You’d hope that this performance hasn’t harmed his chances that much, even with Oliver Giroud returning to fitness.
Substitutes:
Anthony Martial – 5
Martial came on to add a bit of pace to the game and to try and attack Holland down the flanks where they lacked a bit of pace. However, Martial wasn’t allowed the time or room to attack that often, and when he did it was usually restricted to the middle of the field.
After a poor few games for Martial, he will be hoping that he can use these late substitute appearences as a gateway to impress Deschamps and force his way into the starting XI.
T.S.
It was imperative for France that they picked maximum points away against one of their biggest rivals in Group A of 2018 World Cup qualifying, but Les Bleus managed to do just that in Amsterdam against a weaker Dutch side that maybe we have grown accustomed to over the years.
As for the individual performances, let’s take a look at who of the French side performed the best, and who will want to forget this game in a hurry!
Hugo Lloris – 7
The captain was not called into action much during the course of the 90 minutes, but whenever Lloris was forced into make a save, he came up trumps and saved France’s skin in the 88th minute with a stop from Memphis Depay. The saves made by Lloris arguably won the game for Les Bleus, emphasizing how important it is for the goalkeeper to remain on his toes.
Helped out by a solid central defensive partnership, Lloris had a rather quiet evening, baring a few moments, and marshaled his defence and helped them keep Holland’s attack quiet.
Djibril Sidibe – 5
The right back had an evening of mixed emotions, but managed to get through it unscathed. Sidibe was caught out a few times defensively, and against a better opponent would’ve been made to pay for his lapses in concentration, but going forward Sidibe provided somewhat of a threat.
It’s clear that Sidibe possesses a large threat in the attacking department, but to really be considered an international level full back he needs to improve his defensive awareness. Too many times he was caught napping, but luckily on this occasion he was let off the hook.
Raphael Varane – 7
One half of a fantastic partnership, Varane was superb at the back to restrict Vincent Janssen to rare glimpses at goal. The Madrid centre back was comfortable on the ball and dealt with any danger convincingly, contributing to his solid performance.
If Varane and Koscielny can keep up this sort of form, then they will be impenetrable over the course of this qualifying campaign, and will finally provide Koscielny with a suitable partner, something he lacked at the European Championships.
Laurent Koscielny – 8
Speaking of Koscielny, the Arsenal man was simply amazing at the heart of the defence. Brave defensive work made him one of the stand out performers Monday night, proving that on occasion Koscielny can be one of the best in the world in his position.
Every Dutch cross was dealt with comfortably by the crown of Koscielny, and despite claims from Spurs striker Janssen for a handball, Koscielny put in a rather clean performance.
Layvin Kurzawa – 5
Similarly to Sidibe, Kurzawa was a threat going forward but was left lacking in the defensive department. Unfortunately for Kurzawa, he was fairly wasteful with his crossing and attacking plays, despite bursting forward at what felt like every opportunity.
It’s clear that Kurzawa is the left back for France for the foreseeable future, but if he keeps up with average and wasteful performances, boss Didier Deschamps may be forced to look elsewhere for defensive stability down the left hand side.
Paul Pogba – 7
The match winner and a game that the Manchester United man really needed to convince some doubters that he has class in the locker. The long-range winner from Pogba was just a glimpse of what he can do when the opposition allows him space in the middle of the pitch, but his game was much more than just that goal.
He controlled the pace of the game with his controlled passing, spreading the play occasionally. Given the criticism Pogba received following his poor display against Bulgaria, the former Juventus man needed to put in a positive performance and he did just that in Amsterdam.
Blaise Matuidi – 6.5
A solid game for the PSG midfielder, who broke up the Dutch attacks with relative ease. For once, he and Pogba looked comfortable together in the two midfield positions, and this game could provide the platform that both need to form a partnership to benefit both styles of play.
Matuidi also tried his hardest to start attacks with some balls out to the full backs and attempted to roll through Griezmann or Gameiro, but never managed to get the ball forward too often.
Dimitri Payet – 5
Payet had an usually poor game on the left hand side of an attacking three, but the West Ham star was kept rather quiet on Monday night. Apart from a nice piece of play where he sent the defender the complete wrong way with a deft drag back and nutmeg, Payet was quiet and ineffective on the proceedings.
Normally Payet is able to be a key source of goals or assists, and whilst he will go down for officially getting an assist for Pogba’s goal, that was more about Pogba than it was Payet. It was not one of Payet’s best games for Les Bleus, but it has not exactly been his season at club level, either.
Antoine Griezmann – 5
Considering how good Griezmann has been at the start of the season for both club and country, he was uncharacteristically quiet against The Netherlands on Monday night. Everything he attempted was either cut out by the Dutch defence or was slightly off the pace of the game, and this affected his Atletico Madrid partner in crime Kevin Gameiro too.
Neither man could create anything in this one, with Griezmann occasionally getting lost in the middle of the pitch and could only watch as the game just passed him by.
Moussa Sissoko – 6
Sissoko emerged from Euro 2016 as a marauding right midfielder who was so strong in his bursts forward, and the same image has stuck with him during the start of his career at Tottenham Hotspur.
This game on Monday night showed us glimpses of Sissoko and his incredible bursts, but they weren’t enough to create any chances like he did in the summer.
That being said, the £30M man wasn’t on the periphery of the game and certainly wasn’t a by-stander like Griezmann, but he couldn’t use his power to his benefit and just couldn’t get into a position to cross the ball into the box or pull it back to the edge.
Kevin Gameiro – 5
Much like his club teammate Griezmann, Gameiro tried to impose himself on the game and did have one good chance that he didn’t take, but that shot aside, he was quiet in the match. He was unable to create any chances and wasn’t able to get many meaningful shots away, and was essentially marked out of the game by Virgil Van Dijk.
After his performance against Bulgaria much was expected of Gameiro, but the Atletico forward disappointed in Holland, but that won’t deter him from trying his hardest to retain his spot as number one striker for France. You’d hope that this performance hasn’t harmed his chances that much, even with Oliver Giroud returning to fitness.
Substitutes:
Anthony Martial – 5
Martial came on to add a bit of pace to the game and to try and attack Holland down the flanks where they lacked a bit of pace. However, Martial wasn’t allowed the time or room to attack that often, and when he did it was usually restricted to the middle of the field.
After a poor few games for Martial, he will be hoping that he can use these late substitute appearences as a gateway to impress Deschamps and force his way into the starting XI.
T.S.
Mario Balotelli – Turning the corner with OGC Nice
Nice have certainly raised a few eyebrows by standing tall at the top of the Ligue 1 table during the international break, with Lucien Favre making instant impact at the Allianz Riviera. Six wins and two draws from their opening eight games has left them as the only team in the French top flight to not lose a game this season, but although consecutive defeats in the Europa League has left Nice with an uphill battle to remain in the competition, they have been a joy to watch.
Questions over whether Les Aiglons would struggle to replicate the wonderful campaign that saw them finish fourth last season after losing Hatem Ben Arfa, Namplays Mendy and Valere Germain who played integral roles in Claude Puel’s side have been well and truly answered, with shrewd acquisitions during the summer providing Nice with more balance and quality. Coral still believe that Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are the favourites to battle it out for the Ligue 1 title, but the signing of maverick striker Mario Balotelli may prove to be the turning point for Nice. Although the Italian arrived on a free transfer following a difficult spell at Liverpool, there were concerns that his temperament and ego would disrupt the harmony in the dressing room. His attitude has certainly let him down in the past, with several misdemeanours and bust-ups threatening to see his obvious talent and ability go to waste.
He arrived in France with a big point to prove as his career was on the downward spiral, but early indications would suggest that Balotelli has found his feet at a club where he feels loved and appreciated. Five goals in just three league appearances has seen the Nice fans take to him instantly, with the Italian excelling in his role as the main attacking threat and feeding off excellent support provided by Younes Belhanda and Wylan Cyprien. Scoring a brace on his home debut against Marseille was undoubtedly the best way for Balotelli to introduce his arrival in Ligue 1, with another brace in Nice’s superb 4-0 home win against Monaco and a sublime winner against Lorient further emphasising the point that, when he gets his head down and focuses on football, Balotelli is one of the best strikers around.
His red card against Lorient made many people jump to the conclusion that Balotelli had self-imploded once again and that he would never lose his “bad boy” image wherever he is. However, the truth was that the second yellow card issued by the referee was extremely harsh, with league officials overturning his suspension after Olivier Thual admitted that he made the wrong decision. It will enable Balotelli to take to the pitch in Nice’s upcoming clash with Lyon, and they’re the obvious bet to win the game with Coral as Les Gones have struggled to hit any sort of consistency form in the opening weeks. His presence on the pitch will be a big boost for Nice who appear to be getting the very best from Balotelli who looks more focused and hungrier to succeed for the first time in years.
Being nominated for the Player of the Month award for September is just reward for the impact that Balotelli has made in Ligue 1, and while lingering doubts over his temperament remain, he appears to have found his home at Nice. The player himself has recently declared that he feels good at the club, although it may come as no surprise to those who saw a major transformation in Ben Arfa at the Alianz Riviera last season. From enduring a miserable time at Newcastle and becoming embroiled in contract issues which delayed his debut for Nice, Ben Arfa lit up Ligue 1 with a series of magical performances as he was instrumental in Puel’s side finishing fourth; Nice took him under their wing and reignited his stalling career in some style. Although the midfielder opted for the riches at PSG than to remain a first-team regular at Nice, there is hope that Balotelli will not do likewise and jump ship at the first opportunity. His return to prominence is great to see, and if he continues to focus on football and not become his own worst enemy again, then Nice could have a big say in the title race.
Nice have certainly raised a few eyebrows by standing tall at the top of the Ligue 1 table during the international break, with Lucien Favre making instant impact at the Allianz Riviera. Six wins and two draws from their opening eight games has left them as the only team in the French top flight to not lose a game this season, but although consecutive defeats in the Europa League has left Nice with an uphill battle to remain in the competition, they have been a joy to watch.
Questions over whether Les Aiglons would struggle to replicate the wonderful campaign that saw them finish fourth last season after losing Hatem Ben Arfa, Namplays Mendy and Valere Germain who played integral roles in Claude Puel’s side have been well and truly answered, with shrewd acquisitions during the summer providing Nice with more balance and quality. Coral still believe that Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are the favourites to battle it out for the Ligue 1 title, but the signing of maverick striker Mario Balotelli may prove to be the turning point for Nice. Although the Italian arrived on a free transfer following a difficult spell at Liverpool, there were concerns that his temperament and ego would disrupt the harmony in the dressing room. His attitude has certainly let him down in the past, with several misdemeanours and bust-ups threatening to see his obvious talent and ability go to waste.
He arrived in France with a big point to prove as his career was on the downward spiral, but early indications would suggest that Balotelli has found his feet at a club where he feels loved and appreciated. Five goals in just three league appearances has seen the Nice fans take to him instantly, with the Italian excelling in his role as the main attacking threat and feeding off excellent support provided by Younes Belhanda and Wylan Cyprien. Scoring a brace on his home debut against Marseille was undoubtedly the best way for Balotelli to introduce his arrival in Ligue 1, with another brace in Nice’s superb 4-0 home win against Monaco and a sublime winner against Lorient further emphasising the point that, when he gets his head down and focuses on football, Balotelli is one of the best strikers around.
His red card against Lorient made many people jump to the conclusion that Balotelli had self-imploded once again and that he would never lose his “bad boy” image wherever he is. However, the truth was that the second yellow card issued by the referee was extremely harsh, with league officials overturning his suspension after Olivier Thual admitted that he made the wrong decision. It will enable Balotelli to take to the pitch in Nice’s upcoming clash with Lyon, and they’re the obvious bet to win the game with Coral as Les Gones have struggled to hit any sort of consistency form in the opening weeks. His presence on the pitch will be a big boost for Nice who appear to be getting the very best from Balotelli who looks more focused and hungrier to succeed for the first time in years.
Being nominated for the Player of the Month award for September is just reward for the impact that Balotelli has made in Ligue 1, and while lingering doubts over his temperament remain, he appears to have found his home at Nice. The player himself has recently declared that he feels good at the club, although it may come as no surprise to those who saw a major transformation in Ben Arfa at the Alianz Riviera last season. From enduring a miserable time at Newcastle and becoming embroiled in contract issues which delayed his debut for Nice, Ben Arfa lit up Ligue 1 with a series of magical performances as he was instrumental in Puel’s side finishing fourth; Nice took him under their wing and reignited his stalling career in some style. Although the midfielder opted for the riches at PSG than to remain a first-team regular at Nice, there is hope that Balotelli will not do likewise and jump ship at the first opportunity. His return to prominence is great to see, and if he continues to focus on football and not become his own worst enemy again, then Nice could have a big say in the title race.
Nice are currently leading with one goal against Lyon and Fekir has been sent off for a stupid stamp. Favre seems to be doing a very good job. Toulouse have won comfortably against Monaco and are in the mix at the top.