Memphis Depay scored yet another brace as Lyon cruised through to a 3-0 victory over SCO Angers on Sunday.
Lyon bounced back to winning momentum on Sunday, thanks to a 3-0 victory over SCO Angers. The three points help the club retain their challenge for the Ligue 1 title, even though league leaders LOSC Lille are already five points ahead following their win over Metz earlier this week.
It was a comprehensive display from Lyon, who looked like the better team right from the start. They created a plethora of scoring opportunities while also dominating possession. The opponent did move forward in the early stages, but simply could not deal with the offensive pressure exerted by the home side as they eventually conceded the opener in the 21st minute.
Lyon continued to dominate the game throughout the remainder of the game, even doubling their lead just before half-time through Lucas Paqueta; and while they were a bit wasteful prior to the third, Memphis Depay did ultimately manage to add the final gloss to the scoreline in the 83rd minute – sealing all three points for his side.
Here, at tTe Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Lyon players in their comprehensive 3-0 win over Angers on Friday.
Anthony Lopes: 7/10
Although the scoreline may suggest otherwise, Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes was made to work quite a bit by Angers in this game. He responding brilliantly as well, holding his own against an early strike from Stephane Bahoken before keeping out Angelo Fulgini’s sharp long range that was heading on target. A well deserved clean sheet for the shot-stopper.
Leo Dubois: 6/10
Leo Dubois had real difficulties up against the Angers wingers, including Fulgini. The French international should perhaps have even done a better job in dealing with the wide player. Nonetheless, it did restrict the right-back’s offensive capabilities, and he was eventually subbed off around the hour mark.
Marcelo: 6.5/10
Marcelo made a shaky start to the game, having occasional difficulties in dealing with the robust Bahoken. The centre-back, though, recovered eventually, looking more composed with each passing minute. He ended the game with a total of four clearances, two interceptions and six wins in aerial duels.
Jason Denayer: 7/10
Jason Denayer was much better than Marcelo if we are to compare the two. The former Manchester City centre-back was much more imposing, right from the beginning. His strength in physical and aerial duels made it difficult for Angers to create too many clear cut opportunities especially when Lyon were dominating the game.
64 – Lyon are the first team to stand outside the podium despite 64+ points after 32 games in a Ligue 1 season in top-flight history (considering 3 points for a win). Illusion. #OLSCO pic.twitter.com/6yaWR7SRA6
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) April 11, 2021
Maxwel Cornet: 6/10
Another full-back who struggled against Angers, Maxwel Cornet was the weakest link in the Lyon backline as the opponent was well aware of his marauding runs forward that often leave spaces behind. Cornet himself could not offer much penetration going forward either and needs to be much careful, especially against top sides.
Maxence Caqueret: 8/10
Maxence Caqueret had a game at the base of Lyon’s 4-2-3-1. The midfielder controlled the midfield with his passing, ball distribution and the ability to recycle possession. It made things much easier for Les Gones to dominate the proceedings, with Caqueret even becoming a co-creator in-chief for the hosts for much of the game. One of Lyon’s best performers in this win.
Maxence Caqueret vs Angers
68 passes
91% pass accuracy
1 key pass
1 big chance created
3/3 accurate long balls
2/2 successful dribbles
6 tackles won
2 interceptions
2 aerials wonOne of my favorite players to watch. Pure quality and intelligence mixed with an amazing work rate. pic.twitter.com/qEYEErb7tj
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) April 11, 2021
Bruno Guimaraes: 6.5/10
Bruno Guimaraes certainly was not as impressive as his partner Caqueret at the heart of the Lyon setup. The Brazilian did play a key role in the second line of press, often recycling possession. In terms of passing, though, there is a clear room for improvement, and the midfielder was subbed off in the 73rd minute.
Karl Toko Ekambi: 7/10
Karl Toko Ekambi offered that layer of unpredictability on the right flank that constantly kept Angers guessing. It was his cross that led to Lucas Paqueta’s goal, but the attacker missed an excellent opportunity to score himself. Overall, it was a decent display from the Cameroonian international.
Lucas Paqueta: 7.5/10
Filling in for the injured Houssem Aouar, Lucas Paqueta put in an inspiring display in the number position for Lyon this weekend. He was the co-creator-in-chief for Les Gones, offering excellent passes and movements while making surging runs forward.
The Brazilian capped off his brilliant display with Lyon’s second goal just before half-time. Rudi Garcia will be delighted to have Paqueta finding a good rhythm in this important part of the season.
Memphis Depay: 9/10
Memphis Depay was by far the best player for Lyon, being a menace for the Angers defence with his movement, creativity and sheer quality. Indeed, the Dutchman was incisive in his offensive contributions, scoring from two of his three shots on target, including the all-important opener to break the deadlock.
Memphis Depay in Ligue 1:
◎ 16/17: 16 games; 5 goals & 7 assists
◎ 17/18: 36 games, 19 goals & 13 assists
◎ 18/19: 36 games, 10 goals & 10 assists
◎ 19/20: 13 games, 9 goals & 2 assists
◎ 20/21: 32 games, 16 goals & 9 assistsWith an ACL injury in between. ? pic.twitter.com/mwQV1uzxy8
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 11, 2021
Depay could even have bagged an assist, had it not been for Toko Ekambi’s miss. However, it was a comprehensive display from the Lyon captain, whose rhythm and form could be critical in helping Les Gones make a late push for the title.
Islam Slimani: 6.5/10
Islam Slimani returned from suspension to spearhead the Lyon attack. He was not as impressive as some of his teammates but offered some useful physical presence inside the box.
SUBSTITUTES
Mattia De Sciglio: 6/10
Mattia De Sciglio replaced Dubois around the hour mark, to add a bit of freshness on the right hand side of defence that was a bit lacking. Did not do anything that would improve the Lyon defence, though.
Thiago Mendes: 6/10
Thiago Mendes was introduced during the final phase of the game as he replaced Bruno Guimaraes. He was brought in to offer more energy and defensive stability in midfield.
Melvin Bard: 6/10
Melvin Bard was late a replacement for the more attack-minded Cornet. So essentially, the youngster provided better defensive balance to the side during the final 20 or so minutes.
Rayan Cherki: N/A
A late replacement for star man Paqueta. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
