Lyon manages one goal in France’s drought

By: Inara | April 16th, 2007

As I predicted, yesterday’s score sheet was a drab 1-0. But it’s a win, so I’m happy.

Unfortunately, Toulouse won their match on Saturday, so Lyon has to win against Rennes on Wednesday to formally clinch the title. It’s okay, because it’s still a home match, and given the defensive injuries Rennes has at the moment, I think Lyon can manage a victory.

Sedan

Nadir Belhadj and Hatem Ben Arfa

About the game itself: due to injuries, suspensions, and temperamental players, Lyon’s attacking lineup was different than normal. Wiltord was centre forward, Malouda on the left, and Hatem Ben Arfa on the right. Yes, you read that right. Ben Arfa. I was so happy at seeing him start that I almost forgave Ged for the gazillions of things he’s pissed me off about.

The first half of the game was pretty stressful as Sedan surprisingly dominated the match, once forcing Coupet to make a world class save. Wiltord, Juninho, Ben Arfa, Toulalan, and Kallstrom missed some good chances to put Lyon ahead. Poor finishing yet again. However, right before the first half ended, Ben Arfa rewarded us with a really cool strike (video below). This is Ben Arfa’s first goal in the Championnat, and considering the fact that he hasn’t played for Lyon’s first team since early February, it was very special for him.

Lyon dominated the second half, but nothing happened in it except more instances of poor finishing. Tiago came closest to making it 2-0, but his lob hit the crossbar.

Overall, I was impressed with Ben Arfa. Anytime I see him play, it’s always exciting, and he’s very fast, often outrunning those around him. Unfortunately, he’s poor at ball possession and gave it away on several occasions. It’s something that he still needs to work on. Also, there were still traces of the selfish play he’s been accused of in the past, but there’s definitely an overall improvement. I simply can’t wait to see him get even better!

Here is a video of Ben Arfa’s goal, probably the best one out of the measly eight scored this weekend in France.

The other interesting thing about yesterday’s game was Nadir Belhadj’s premiere at the Gerland. He started on the bench, probably to respect the fact that he’s technically a Lyon player. But there were some signs being waved around the pitch welcoming him. With about 20 minutes left to play, Belhadj was subbed into the game - and he received an ovation from the crowd! That was nice of them, and he certainly rewarded the Lyon faithful with a good display (albeit for Sedan). He was busy running back and forth, taking his offensive and defensive duties seriously. He even took down Juninho in the 18-yard box! Though there were some appeals for a penalty, everyone was very good natured. Belhadj even joked about it in his interview after the match.

By the time the game was over, I was saying, “Abidal who?”

For the results of Ligue 1’s other weekend fixtures, Sam has more on the France Offside.

Juni Off topic but not really: Am I the only one who thinks that Juninho has been looking like a ragamuffin recently? He hasn’t been shaving, his eyes seem bloodshot…and his hair!!!!

Is he trying to grow out a mane like Coupet? If that’s the case, someone should tell Juni that the surfer boy look won’t look as good on him. And once his head is a little lighter, he might have an easier time with those free kicks.