The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the fifth round of the 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season (17/10/22).

Above: Grace Geyoro (8) celebrates her goal for Paris St. Germain against Dijon with Lieke Martens (22). Photo: L Pestel / PSG.

Paris Saint-Germain won 3-1 at home against Dijon. Lydia Williams, Australian international, was not in the squad after not taking part in training the previous week on international duty. This meant that Sarah Bouhaddi retained the number one shirt with Constance Picaud on the bench. Paris SG scored quickly in this game and dominated largely with almost 70% possession. Even if Dijon equalized in the 18^th minute, from a superb shot from Madeline Roth, they never really had a chance to win this game. To be noted: Gérard Prêcheur, Paris SG coach, received a red card for being too vehement against the referees. Goals for Paris SG from Lieke Martens (3), Grace Geyoro (43), Ramona Bachmann (90). Goal for Dijon from Madeline Roth (18).

Reims obtained a draw 2-2 away from home against Paris FC. In a game slightly dominated by Paris FC which were at home, Reims continued their good run of form and could even have won this game. It was a quality game between two teams that both wanted to win. Once again Rachel Corboz, Reims’ captain, and left midfielder, produced an outstanding performance. Hereafter, her statistics recorded during the game by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: in 80 minutes, 39 balls played, 26 passes with 85% successful, two decisive passes (40th-minute one-two with Kessya Busy, 52nd-minute corner for the head of Julie Pasquereau). To be noted too, Mathide Bourdieu, Paris FC center forward, who scored twice with two superb shots. Goals for Reims from Kessya Bussy (40), Julie Pasquereau (52). Goals for Paris FC from Mathilde Bourdieu (42, 76).

Le Havre won away from home 4-1 against Soyaux. Le Havre produced a good performance in winning their second match in this season. They continued to show that they want to stay in D1 Arkema and looked a good team. This was a bad outcome for Soyaux who lost their third game in five this season. To be noted: the good performance from Nadjma Ali Nadjim, Le Havre’s center forward, with one goal (48th minute), and a decisive pass for Christy Gavory’s fourth-minute opener. Goals for Le Havre from Christy Gavory (4), Nadjma Ali Nadjim (48), Nora Coton-Pélagie (55), Silke Demeyere (90+4). Goal for Soyaux from Morgane Belkhiter (49).

Montpellier won 4-1 away from home against Guingamp. With this win, Montpellier are now fourth in the standing. Guingamp still have not won any games and are bottom without a single pointless; it will probably be a long and difficult season for them. The match saw another good performance from Faustine Robert, who came back to Montpellier her first club after eight years with Guingamp, with one goal (after 69 minutes), and an assist for Celeste Bouteille’s 28th minute goal). Goals for Montpellier from Celeste Boureille (28), Faustine Robert (69 penalty), Nérilia Mondésir (83), Luna Gevitz (86). Goal for Guingamp from Laurie Teinturier (89).

Rodez won 2-1 at home against Fleury. This was a great outcome for Rodez, who not only scored their first goals of the season, but also claimed their maiden victory. It was not a great game, and we did not see Fleury’s usual spirit and team play during this game. Furthermore, Manon Heil made an error in failing to catch a shot from 25 meters which was not dangerous, and dropped the ball in front of Alexandria Lamontagne who scored easily both her’s and Rodez’s second goal. With this loss, Fleury are now down to seventh place, already six points behind Paris FC who are third and in the final Champions League qualifying spot. Goals for Rodez from Alexandria Lamontagne (11, 66). Goal for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (16).

Olympique Lyonnais won 3-1 away from home against Bordeaux. Lyon produced a seriously impressive performance and dominated Bordeaux from the beginning to the end of this game with almost 70% possession. The young player Vicki Becho, 19 years old, started  for the first time in D1 Arkema and produced a very good performance. Becho played in place of Delphine Cascarino who came back from international break with France team with an injury to the abductors; she should be out for several weeks. 

The game was secured at half time and Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, took a few players off in the second half in anticipation of first UEFA Champions League game of this season on October 19th against Arsenal.

Selma Bacha, Lyon's left defender, produced another outstanding performance, and was named player of the match. Hereafter, Selma Bacha statistics recorded by Jean-Pierre Thiesset during the game: 63 balls played, 41 passes with 90% successful, one assist (a free kick met by the head of Wendie Renard at the 14th minute). Goals for Lyon from Lindsey Horan (5), Wendie Renard (14), Melvine Malard (44). Goal for Bordeaux from Melvine Malard (10, Own Goal).