Rennes 0-0 Metz ratings: Sy the bright spot as Merlin struggles | OneFootball

Rennes were short of ideas and were held 0-0 by Metz as surprise starter and Metz’s number two Pape Sy stood out, while Quentin Merlin struggled. According to L'Équipe, the frustrating draw came on the club’s 125th anniversary and did not bring them closer to the top three.

Early on, Sy denied Rongier in the 10th minute, then pushed away a Szymanski free-kick in the 13th. He also avoided punishment after stepping on Blas’s ankle in the 17th.

In front of him, Sadibou Sané marshalled a deep line well, timing his duels and dealing with Rennes crosses.

Merlin’s display was strewn with errors, including 12 turnovers in the first half, which hurt Rennes in the build-up and the final third.

Szymanski failed to provide ideas beyond that set piece and was replaced by D. Cissé in the 67th minute, who later shot well over in the 85th.

On the right, Przemyslaw Frankowski lacked incision and accuracy and made way for Nagida in the 67th minute, who tried more. Midfielder Mahdi Camara pressed at times in the first half but was short of his usual impact and was replaced by Zabiri in the 85th minute.

Arnaud Nordin could not unpick the block, wasting a good chance against Sy in the 12th minute and missing the target in the 61st. He was replaced by Al-Tamari in the 67th minute, whose energy did not alter the outcome.

Source: L'Équipe