Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the first round of 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season.
Above: Lindsay Horan (left) and Danielle van de Donk celebrate for Olympique Lyonnais. Photo: Damien LG.
Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 at home against Soyaux. Paris SG opened against a weak Soyaux team. Even if they largely dominated this game, the hosts were not efficient enough to earn a bigger win. It seems that the absence of Marie-Antoinette Katoto is already impacted their scoring ability. Lieke Martens scored her first goal for her new team only five minutes in the match. We must also point out the great performance of Siga Tandia, Soyaux’s central defender, and Romane Munich, Soyaux goalkeeper, who both prevented Paris SG from adding to their tally. Goals for Paris SG from Lieke Martens (5), Kadidiatou Diani (34).
Bordeaux won 4-2 at home against Le Havre. In a game even in all statistics, Bordeaux won against newly promoted Le Havre. It was not an outstanding game and even if they won let Le Havre score twice. To be noted, on her first game in D1 Arkema, Salome Elisor scored twice for the visitors. Goals for Bordeaux from Maëlle Garbino (13, 44), Mickaëlla Cardia (23), Mélissa Gomes (53). Goals for Le Havre from Salome Elisor (3, 65).
Paris FC won 2-0 at home against Rodez. Paris FC dominated this game (66% possession) but lacked efficiency as seven shots on target only yielded two goals. Goals for Paris FC from Clara Matéo (28), Mathilde Bourdieu (72).
Montpellier won 3-0 at home against Dijon. A good start for Montpellier at home in a game where Dijon was never able to put them in danger.
Olympique Lyonnais won 5-1 away from home against Reims.
Lyon started the season missing a lot of regular players (Ellie Carpenter, Griedge MBock, Catarina Macario, Wendie Renard, Ada Hegerberg, and Amel Majri). During the last France squad team, Griedge Mbock quit the game with a dislocated knee, and will be absent for at least six months. So, Lyon started with Alice Sombath and Amandine Henry in central defence. Selma Bacha who still had some light calf pain, played only the first half as left forward to preserve her as the season will be long. Reims produced a good performance during the first 70 minutes, being dangerous with fast counterattacks, but they conceded three goals in the last 20 minutes when it started to be more difficult for them. Goals for Lyon from Daniëlle Van De Donk (16, 85), Damaris Egurrola (39), Sara Dabritz (72), Melvine Malard (90+4). Goal for Reims from Melchie Daëlle Dumornay (63).
Fleury won 3-0 away from home against Guingamp. Except for its goalkeeper Katriina Talashlati, who was replaced by Manon Heil, Fleury started with almost its usual starting team. The Finnish international told me the morning of the game that she had caught flu whilst on international duty, and that she will be back soon.
In a press conference leading up to the game, Fabrice Abriel, Fleury’s coach, said: “Our objectives are to make good games, score a lot of goals, and try to be as close as possible to victory at each game.”
In the same media event, Léa Le Garrec, Fleury team Captain, said: “Our objectives for this season are to start well, and to do better than last season where we finished fourth We hope to finish third (earning Champions League football) and we will do everything we can for that.”
After this first game, Fleury showed that they were ready to fulfill their objectives. Goals for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (18, 79), Julie Piga (52).
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