After dismantling this afternoon's opposition in this exact fixture only seven days prior, albeit in the Coupe de France, Les Dogues were hopeful a repeat would set them straight in their hopes of European qualification. In the opening moments however, it was clear manager Patrick Kisnorbo would throw everything at maintaining their league status as Mama Baldé fired a warning sign shooting fractionally wide on the counter-attack. Without a goal since late October, it appeared Baldé’s effort sparked a shot shy home side into life, eventually culminating in the opening goal.
Allowed all the time in the world centrally, it was Angel Gomes who put the ball on a plate for willing runner Bayo to finish well across despairing goalkeeper Mateusz Lis. Bayo could eventually celebrate following a prolonged offside check, wishing he could play ESTAC every week after tripling his tally for the season against them in the past week. On the stroke of half-time, Bayo had the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt, but fortunately for him his rebound fell to star striker David, who made no mistake in notching his 11th league goal.
After being heavily linked with Everton, American Timothy Weah started his first league match since mid-November. Clearly keen to impress his potential suitors, he ensured no respite for the away side, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that was too hot to handle for Lis. Showing his striker's instinct once again, Bayo pounced on the rebound to further extend the lead.
Troyes did pull a goal back via a Baldé effort, but it was too little too late as substitute Alan Virginius and a second from David put the game to bed. For Lille, they are now unbeaten in their last seven at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, in contrasting form to the away side who have now failed to win in 12 of their last 14 in Ligue 1.
Flashscore Player of the Match: Mohamed Bayo (LOSC Lille)
