Karl Toko-Ekambi celebrates scoring against Metz with his teammates on the 6th December 2020
In a commanding performance to beat Metz 3-1, Lyon made it four successive wins to remian just two behind perennial leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
Again, Karl Toko-Ekambi was the standout player for Rudi Garcia’s men with his second-half double sealing the points, moving the winger’s tally onto seven for the season behind PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Stade de Reim’s Boulaye Dia.
Having seen keeper Anthony Lopes save an early penalty, Lyon took the lead when Memphis Depay slammed home his sixth goal of the season and his fifth in as many games against the home side.
Aside from Metz grabbing a consolation, the only blemish for the visitors was an injury-time sending off for 17-year-old Rayan Cherki, making him the youngest ever player to see red in Ligue 1.
Lyon’s coach Rudi Garcia during his sides match against OGC Nice in Ligue 1 on the 19th December 2020
After replacing Sylvinho, Garcia could not quite lead his side into Europe last season before it was curtailed, as they finished seventh, just one point behind Reims, a disappointment considering their exploits in the Champions League where they knocked out Manchester City before losing to eventual winners Bayern Munich in the last eight.
The recruitment of the seven-times Ligue 1 winners over the last couple of years has been impressive despite having to deal with the departures of key figures Tanguy Ndombele, Ferland Mendy, Nabil Fekir and Bertrand Traore.
Following a fruitful loan spell from Villarreal, Toko-Ekambi joined permanently and has recorded seven goals and four assists in 11 league appearances this season.
Midfielder Lucas Paqueta signed from AC Milan for €20M, Bruno Guimarães joined from Athletico Paranaense last year but is now showing his worth at the start of his first full season.
Having coached in Ligue 1 previously with Lille and Marseille, Garcia has considerable experience in France.
This season Lyon have mainly used a 4-3-3 formation with Toko-Ekambi and Tino Kadewere flanking Depay and a combative but creative midfield of Houssem Aouar, Guimarães and Paqueta.
Their pacy front three provide a counter-attack threat and are Lyon’s main source of goals, netting 17 of the side’s 24 between them.
Defensively they have been strong, with their 11 goals conceded the third-lowest in Ligue 1 with only Montpellier and Strasbourg scoring more than once against them.
With their impressive forward line and miserly defence, it would be a surprise if Lyon did not return to the Champions League but their sights will be set even higher as they aim to shock PSG and claim a first title since their own dominant period ended in 2008.
Lyon’s players lift the Ligue 1 trophy on May 17, 2008, the last time they won the competition
Notable Results
Montpellier 1-3 PSG – Reigning champions stay top as Kylian Mbappe scores his 100th goal for the club.
Reims 0-0 Nice – In first game since Patrick Viera’s sacking, Nice kept a welcome clean sheet with their first point in six matches.
Lille 2-1 Monaco – Home side score for the 20th consecutive match, the third-most in the top five European leagues.
Nantes 0-4 Strasbourg – Thierry Laurey’s side thrash relegation rivals Nantes to earn first win in five games.
Neims 0-2 Marseille – Visitors unbeaten in last 14 away league games, longest current streak in the top five European leagues.
