Saint-Étienne’s grip on second weakens after Bastia defeat as Le Mans close in | OneFootball

Saint-Étienne’s grip on second place has slipped after defeat at Bastia, piling pressure on Philippe Montanier’s side.

According to Le Progres, they were well below their standards, individually and collectively, in Corsica. Montanier had said after last week’s 2-1 win over Dunkerque that he likes being under pressure, and his team felt it against a bold and clinical Bastia, who began matchday 31 bottom.

They remain second, the division’s final automatic promotion spot, yet trail leaders Troyes by four points after Troyes beat Boulogne 1-0 in the afternoon. Le Mans are now level with ASSE following Friday’s 1-0 victory over Clermont.

Only goal difference of +3 keeps Saint-Étienne ahead of Le Mans. Three fixtures remain.

This was Montanier’s first defeat in charge, ending a nine-match unbeaten run of seven wins and two draws at the worst moment.

Source: Le Progres