Arnaud Kalimuendo struck twice as Lens beat ten-man Reims 2-0 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Friday evening, to strengthen their grip on second place on the table.
THE MATCH
Franck Haise's in-form Lens were looking to build on their impressive start to the season, boasting just one defeat in their opening eight games and confidence riding high after last Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 win at Marseille.
Both sides took to the pitch in eerie circumstances after Lens' fans were prohibited from attending due to off-field incidents that marred their clash with rivals LOSC last month.
A well-drilled Reims defence and the omission of the raucous atmosphere at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis was a possible factor in the hosts sluggish start as they struggled to create anything meaningful in the final third.
The first chance of the game fell to Lens striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, whose powerful drive stung the palms of Reims 'keeper Predrag Rajkovic (17').
Reims were impressive in their pressing, maintaining their shape and reducing Lens to half-chances and set-pieces. Haise’s side started to look visibly frustrated by their inability to break down a defence marshalled by the reliable and solid Yunis Abdelhamid.
Any beacon of hope for the home side came down the right side of the pitch with Jonathan Clauss providing the ammunition, only to be shut out by a resolute Reims back line.
But Clauss' persistence paid off when his cross eventually found Przemysław Frankowski and his beautifully cushioned volley was tipped over the bar by Rajkovic (42').
Disaster for Reims
Then, with the interval approaching, Reims' game plan was thrown out of the window when Lens were awarded a penalty after Hugo Ekitike's high-footed challenge on Lens' Kevin Danso. The Reims striker was hit with a double blow when he was given his marching orders for the foul, after a VAR review.
Kalimuendo stepped up to fire Les Sang et Or ahead from 12-yards (45').
Draw specialists Reims, arguably would have taken another share of the spoils in the second half as they faced the uphill challenge of stemming Lens' flow of momentum.
Reims head coach Oscar Garcia reverted to a back five at the start of the second half, in an attempt to stay compact whilst aiming to nick a goal on the counter through Mitchel van Bergen.
Killer Instinct
But Kalimuendo put paid to that idea and finished superbly from a pinpoint Florian Sotoca through ball to extend Lens' advantage (52').
With nothing to lose, Reims attempted to take an upper-hand in the game and cautiously ventured forward when possible without testing Lens 'keeper and spectator for the evening, Jean-Louis Leca.
As the game entered its final stages, the contest began to peter out and chances were at a premium with both clubs resigned to the game being done and dusted.
Lens comfortably collected the three points and go into the international break deservedly in second place after a tremendous start to the season.
THE PLAYER: Arnaud Kalimuendo
The loan signing from Paris Saint-Germain showed his quality in front of goal to notch his first strikes of the season. A constant threat in the final third with his pace and movement, Kalimuendo could well be Lens' trump card this season as they continue to build on their impressive start to the campaign.
THE STAT: 18
Lens now have 18 points from their opening nine games, a statistic that has the club's supporters dreaming of what Franck Haise's troops could achieve this season. Haise has created a side that is tough to beat, dangerous on the flanks and an abundance of weapons in midfield and attack. After missing out on European football on the final day of last season, the early signs suggest Les Sang et Or look primed to go one better this time round.
