Second-half substitute Josh Wilson-Esbrand got the only goal of the game six minutes from time as Stade de Reims beat FC Lorient 1-0 at the Stade Auguste-Delaune to move provisionally fourth in Ligue 1 Uber Eats.
THE MATCH
Reims began the day six places and four points better off than their visitors, knowing that victory could lift them into the UEFA Champions League spots - for 24 hours at least. They started the brighter of the two team, with Junya Ito smashing a volley over the bar after good build-up play from Marshall Munetsi and Teddy Teuma (15'). Ito tried to turn provider for Mohammed Daramy midway through the half, but after a smart one-two Yvon Mvogo was able to pounce on the ball at Daramy's feet (29'). Romain Faivre tried to get things going at the other end but there was nobody there to meet the Bournemouth-owned man's low cross (35'). Isaak Touré nicked the ball from Ito towards the end of the half when the Japanese was in a dangerous position (43') and it was goalless at the break.
Still or sparkling?
Eli Junior Kroupi had the first half-chance of the second half for Lorient, firing over after being found by Faivre (54'). Darlin Yongwa the picked up a yellow card for a foul on Daramy (61') before Will Still made a pair of changes past the hour, sending Amine Salama and the Manchester City-owned Wilson-Esbrand on for Marshall Munetsi and Thibault De Smet (66'). With fresh legs, Reims nearly took the lead soon after, but Teuma's shot was well saved by Mvogo (70'). Salam then slipped in Ito, who's chipped attempt sailed over (72'). Still was sent to the stands for dissent (80'), with brother Nicolas overseeing the run-in, but Wilson-Esbrand gave both reason to cheer late on with a fine curling finish (84') that secured a 1-0 win.
THE PLAYER: Junya Ito
Ito was a livewire on Reims' right flank, attacking on the outside and inside to give Yongwa and Touré a difficult day at the office. The Japanese has only managed a goal and two assists from nine games this season, but if he keeps playing like this the dam might burst.
THE STAT: 11
Reims have now scored in each of their last 11 Ligue 1 Uber Eats games and counting. Their last league blank came back in May, when Olympique Lyonnais beat them 3-0.
