A 5-Point Plan to Ensure Lyon Fend off PSG in Ligue 1 Title Race
Olympique Lyonnais kept their Ligue 1 rivals at bay with a 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Although Les Gones took the lead, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s penalty—at the second attempt—earned the Parisians a point at the Stade de Gerland. PSG had a number of chances, but the superb Anthony Lopes enjoyed a wonderful night, inspiring the Lyon defence with his performance between the sticks.
Lyon remain top of the league as a result, and their performance showed everyone their position is no fluke and that they are 100 per cent title contenders this season.
Here is a five-point plan to ensure Lyon fend off PSG in the Ligue 1 title race.
Make Sure Lacazette Gets Back to Full Fitness
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Back when Marseille last challenged PSG for the title in 2012/13, the one mistake they made was rushing Loic Remy back from injury to lead the attack. The France international never made it back to 100 per cent and Marseille struggled.
If Lyon are to push toward the Ligue 1 title, they need to be cautious and make sure Alexandre Lacazette has fully recovered before he plays again.
The hamstring injury he picked up in the 2-0 win over Metz could rule him out until at least February 23, according to Transfermarkt. However, if there are still any doubts at that point, he should wait before making his return.
Lyon need him to add to his 21 goals if they want to win the league, and his full fitness is key to that.
Maintain Their Current Game Plan
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This season, Lyon coach Hubert Fournier has stuck with the 4-3-1-2 formation that was implemented by Remi Garde last season, the balance of which is perfect for Lyon at the moment.
Lyon’s midfield diamond gives them solidity through the middle, with the width coming from the full-backs as the midfield trio protects the defence.
Fournier’s men play like a well-oiled unit; everyone knows their role within the team. Any change to this system would be a mistake. Any move to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 would take away what has been so integral to this team’s success.
Why change a winning formula?
Continue to Give Youth a Chance
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Very soon, Fournier is going to have a decision to make regarding his midfield. Last season’s regulars, Clement Grenier and Gueida Fofana, will return to fitness and state their cases for joining the starting XI.
However, both Jordan Ferri and Corentin Tolisso have been superb next to Maxime Gonalons this season. It would be a mistake to take away their spots in the XI. They may be younger and less experienced, but they are key components to how this team plays.
It will be great for Fournier to have more options, but he needs to stick with the XI that has got him this far.
Keep the Stars' Feet on the Ground
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Talk of winning the title will continue to grow with every week Lyon sit on top of the league.
One job Fournier and his staff will need to deal with is keeping the players' feet on the ground. Players such as Nabil Fekir and Clinton N’Jie are key to Lyon’s attack, but Fournier will need experienced members of his team such as Milan Bisevac and Christophe Jallet to be the voices of reason and tranquility to keep the others grounded.
Harness the Exuberance of Youth
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Just as it’s important to keep the players grounded, it is also very important to let them believe.
Often, it's easier to favour the team that has experience in these situations, for the fact they have won a title gives them advantageous experience. However, inexperience can be of great benefit, too.
Although the majority of these Lyon players have not won league titles, they haven’t lost one, either.
They don’t know that feeling of failure and the despair of missing out on a great success. They will be oblivious to that. This Lyon side has no fear, and Fournier needs his players to harness that to their advantage.
