PLAYER RATINGS | Montpellier 0-0 Nice: Francesco Farioli’s unbeaten run continues after tepid draw
Ligue 1, Round 12, 10/11/23
Francesco Farioli continued his unbeaten run as manager of OGC Nice, but his side were contained by Montpellier HSC in a tepid 0-0 draw.
Heading into the game, Nice were yet to trail so far this season, but had themselves scored only 13 goals, despite occupying top spot in Ligue 1. It was therefore no surprise that chances were very much at a premium in the first half. Akor Adams went close to ending Nice’s impressive record of not trailing but having earned a yard on Jean-Clair Todibo, the Nigerian forward’s shot crashed against the outside of the post.
Momentarily, spaces opened up and Jérémie Boga profited from that, driving at the Montpellier defence and laying off Badredine Bouanani. However, the Algerian, starting his first match of the season for Les Aiglons, scuffed his effort wide. Clear-cut chances remained hard to come by in the second half. In a rare foray forward, Khéphren Thuram blasted over.
Adams then struck the post again with a close-range header but had he scored, the goal would have been ruled out by a fairly clear offside. Neither side carved up another opening, despite Nice showing more intent in the closing stages. Montpellier and Nice therefore shared the points. The latter remain top but could be caught by Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco on Saturday.
Marcin Bulka – 5
Melvin Bard – 7 – left-back has been a problem position for Nice in recent seasons, with the club attempting on two occasions to make an upgrade on Bard. However, on both occasions, the Frenchman has upped his level to beat the new competition and retain his place. Romain Perraud is hardly getting a look in and Bard showed why once again against Montpellier, with what was another impressive performance. He
Read on getfootballnewsfrance.com
