Five key stats from week 10 in Ligue 1

Ligue 1 came back with a bang this weekend. There were 28 goals across France’s top flight with six of those witnessing atleast three goals.  Marseille’s woes continue. Zlatan Ibrahimovicand Edinson Cavani had a battle for the best goal of the weekend and Lille ended a nine-year goal drought in Montpellier. One quarter of the way through the season and le Championnat is as unpredictable as ever.

The Herve Renard Effect

Former Zambia boss took charge of his new side for the first time on Sunday. Obviously of all the Ligue 1 teams to face, Monaco would have been his first choice, a true baptism of fire for the man in the immaculate white shirt. It didn’t go according to plan at all, his side going 2-0 down after only 10 minutes and looking void of any ideas of what to do.

Usually a side in the relegation zone would crumble to a team with as much quality as Monaco but two things happened, Monaco took their foot off the pedal, and Sochaux kept their heads up and actually started to dominate possession.

Before the goals their pass completion was at 67% – they had made no shots and no interceptions. For the rest of the game they started to take control and fought back. Second half goals from Cedric Bakambu andJoseph Lopy levelled the game and their stats were equally as impressive. After the two Monaco goals they completed 78% of their passes, made 14 tackles, 21 interceptions and 16 clearances, also attempting 16 shots on goal.

The final stats show a very even game. Possession was split 50/50 – and both sides completed 77% of their passes. Sochaux won 8% more of their tackles at 85% they had four more shots and three more corners. After being stunned in the opening 15 minutes it was a superb response from Hérve Renard’s men. Lopy and Vincent Nogueira were instrumental in the midfield and with players missing through injury and suspension there is now genuine hope for Sochaux this season.