With both teams having changed their respective managers in recent weeks, many of the players will have been looking to ensure they impressed their new bosses. Montpellier goalkeeper Jonas Omlin certainly made an impression when he pulled out a brilliant save to stop Lacazette’s volley. However, there was nothing he could do when Lyon finally made the breakthrough shortly after the half-hour mark, as Lacazette squared the ball for Houssem Aouar to apply the calmest of finishes.
The Swiss goalkeeper then got away with losing the ball in his own box as Les Gones pushed for their first win under Laurent Blanc but injured himself in the process, being replaced by Bingourou Kamara before half-time. La Paillade came agonisingly close to an equaliser after the change had been made, although Elye Wahi couldn’t quite connect with the loose ball in the six-yard box. After the restart, a corner resulted in a glorious opportunity for Nicolas Cozza at the back post but the defender was unable to guide his header on target.
Lacazette was given an absolute gift but having shown composure and selflessness to draw in Kamara before attempting to tee up Moussa Dembele, the Lyon captain under-hit his pass which allowed Khalil Fayad to make an outstanding recovery tackle. More injury woe followed for Montpellier as Enzo Tchato was forced off. In the 70th minute, Wahi conjured the most outrageous of equalisers, latching onto Jordan Ferri’s dinked cross and giving Anthony Lopes absolutely no chance of stopping his acrobatic attempt.
A heated exchange between Sinaly Diomande and Stephy Mavididi off the ball changed the game’s complexion again as they were both sent off. There was to be one more twist before the match ended, as Lacazette fired in a 90th-minute winner to end Lyon’s six-game winless run, and gave Laurent Blanc his first win since taking over. Meanwhile, Montpellier suffered a heartbreaking fourth consecutive defeat.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alexandre Lacazette (Olympique Lyonnais)
