LOSC 2-0 FC Nantes

THE MATCH

Luiz Araújo again started for Lille here at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, having come off the bench to net the winner against FC Metz a fortnight ago before starting and scoring in last week’s draw away to Olympique de Marseille.

That meant Jonathan Ikoné was again left on the bench but Araújo once more showed his value by playing a part in the goal which gave Lille the lead just before the interval. His shot was saved by Nantes goalkeeper Alban Lafont, but the ball came out to Zeki Celik and his cross was flicked on by Jonathan David and then turned into his own net by the unfortunate Nicolas Pallois (43’).

While Jonathan Bamba hit the post in the second half, that goal was all that separated the sides until the latter stages, when Lille won a penalty for a foul by Dennis Appiah on Yilmaz. The veteran Turkish forward stepped up to score from 12 yards and make the points safe for the home side (87’).

With three wins and two draws from their first five outings, Lille are still unbeaten and this win allowed them to go to bed on top of the early table, ahead of the rest of the weekend’s action. Nantes are in the bottom half.

THE PLAYER: José Fonte

Lille’s victory was build on solid foundations, with veteran skipper Fonte outstanding in central defence. He was responsible for several key interventions and his partnership with new signing Sven Botman is promising.

THE STAT: 8

Lille are now unbeaten in eight Ligue 1 games stretching back into last season. They have also lost only two of their last 22 games at home.

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