Nantes - OM : Analysis
A revised eleven
Attached to his system in 4-3-3 with a defensive midfielder and two passers, André Villas Boas made some changes after the defeat against Reims. Starting for the first time in an official match, summer recruits Àlvaro González and Benedetto replaced Caleta-Car and Germain respectively. Another choice of the coach, Lopez was fielded in midfield alongside Gustavo and Sanson. A fourth change saw Sarr take on the role of right winger, replacing Radonjic, a position he played in regularly during the preparation matches.
The VAR moment
In the 30th minute of play, Benoit Bastien used the VAR to judge a disputed action between Kamara and Touré. The use of this tool resulted in a penalty kick following a handball from the Nantes midfielder. Despite being the regular taker, Payet gave Benedetto the opportunity to break the deadlock and his own account. The Argentinian No9 missed an opportunity on the half-hour mark.
The Mandanda moment
In a meeting where the shivers were counted on the fingers of one hand, Mandanda was present during the Canaries' best moment. The author of a major match, Il Fenomeno played a key role in the draw at the Beaujoire. In particular thanks to a series of stops 15 minutes from the end. On fire, he parried an attempt by Bamba who was heading for the net. Then, a double stop against Girotto and Touré before catching a dangerous cross from Rongier. After this intense 76th minute, he made ten saves and Lafont made two.
Kamara warned again
The forward Coulibaly was clipped and Kamara was cautioned in the stoppage time of the first half (48th). After Sanson (42nd), the central defender was OM's second booking. Already sanctioned on the first day, he will be banned if he obtains one more.
Nice then Saint-Étienne
OM got their first point of the season in Nantes. The third day will take place on Wednesday 28 August and will propose a new trip to Nice for a Mediterranean derby. The Olympians will return to the Orange Velodrome three days later for a clash with the Greens of Saint-Etienne. After the duel against Christian Gourcuff, André Villas-Boas will once again face a coach who has just taken over the reins of his team, in the shape of Ghislain Printant.
Nantes 0-0 OM
Season 2019-20 - Ligue 1 Conforama – 2nd day – Stade de la Beaujoire
Referee : Benoit Bastien
Half time : 0-0
Yellow cards : Sanson (42e), Kamara (48e), Strootman (87e)
OM : Mandanda (cap.) - Sakai, Kamara, Àlvaro González, Amavi - Luiz Gustavo, Sanson (Strootman, 69e), Lopez - Payet, Benedetto (Germain, 85e), Sarr (Radonjic, 78e).
