Solid against Toulouse, AS Monaco return to winning ways | OneFootball

Grâce à un but rapide de Mohammed Salisu et un nouveau clean sheet obtenu, les Rouge et Blanc l'emportent face au TFC et remontent provisoirement sur le podium de la Ligue 1.

They confirmed their good form after the encouraging performance against Tottenham. Having dominated the Spurs without scoring, AS Monaco found their cutting edge again against Toulouse (1–0), securing victory on Matchday 9 of Ligue 1. A convincing win, achieved in front of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and club president Dmitry Rybolovlev at the Stade Louis-II. ✍️

The context 📅

Only three days after a strong display against Tottenham (0–0), AS Monaco hosted Toulouse for Matchday 9 of Ligue 1. Determined to return to winning ways after four consecutive draws in all competitions, the Red and Whites needed to be wary of a visiting side unbeaten in three matches (two wins, one draw).

“Toulouse are a team we’ve analysed well, they play a 3-4-3 system we know, with good players, pace and strong transitions. We expect them to be opportunistic, and we’re aware of their qualities. But for me, it’s mainly about seeing how our team behaves in this second home game in three days."

The lineup 👥

At kick-off, Sébastien Pocognoli made three changes from the side that started against Spurs. Christian Mawissa, Aleksandr Golovin and Takumi Minamino all returned to the starting eleven in the Belgian coach’s 3-4-3 setup. Folarin Balogun retained his place up front, supported by Ansu Fati.

he match 🎞

From the start, Monaco went on the offensive and won an early corner (2’). From the ensuing play, the ball came to Kassoum Ouattara, whose perfect cross was headed in by Mohammed Salisu from six yards out after just 2 minutes and 19 seconds — Monaco’s fastest goal of the season (1–0, 3’).

The Red and Whites nearly doubled their lead moments later when Ansu Fati was denied by Guillaume Restes in a one-on-one (5’). The tempo then dropped slightly, allowing Toulouse to settle, as Yann Gboho’s effort was comfortably gathered by Philipp Köhn (30’). Balogun then forced a fine reflex save from Restes (35’).

Balogun headed over (45’), and Gboho went close again before half-time (45+3’). On the hour mark, Pocognoli brought on Maghnes Akliouche and George Ilenikhena (60’), with the latter immediately trying a lob that was too short (61’). Toulouse responded, with Emersonn heading just wide (65’) and Gboho’s strike again saved by Köhn (70’).

Monaco nearly sealed it late on: Pape Cabral and Kassoum Ouattara both had efforts repelled by Restes and then the post (78’). Toulouse pushed at the end, but Krépin Diatta made a crucial block from a close-range Gboho shot (86’).

That intervention proved decisive, as Monaco held firm to secure the clean sheet and the three points. The Red and Whites returned to winning ways in Ligue 1 after two consecutive draws, and provisionally climbed back into the top three.

Next up: a midweek trip to Nantes on Wednesday (21:05). DAGHE MUNEGU! 🇲🇨

Highlights 🎥

The stat 📊

AS Monaco have now scored all 18 of their Ligue 1 goals from inside the penalty area — the highest total in Europe’s top five leagues this season, with a perfect 100% ratio (Strasbourg were next with 17 before their match tomorrow).

Match sheet 🗓️

AS Monaco: Köhn – Kehrer (c), Salisu, Mawissa – Diatta, Coulibaly (Teze 46’), Golovin (Cabral 76’), Ouattara – Fati (Akliouche 60’), Minamino – Balogun (Ilenikhena 60’)Subs: Lienard, Bamba, Cabral, Idumbo, Teze, Akliouche, Biereth, Ilenikhena, MichalCoach: Sébastien Pocognoli