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Metz – Monaco

After hosting Toulouse and visiting Dijon for their first two games, the reigning champions would have to travel to the Stade Saint Symphorien to play Metz. Similar to the last match, Monaco’s usual 4-4-2 was switched to a 4-2-3-1, in the absence of Kylian Mbappe Lottin. Upon such speculation linking the young forward to PSG and Madrid, Jardim vowed to leave the 18-year-old out of the squad against Metz. Last match, Mbappe remained on the bench during the entire 90 minutes. Monaco’s midfield partnership consisted of Moutinho and Fabinho again, as Youri Tielemans has not been able to find himself a spot in the starting 11.

The match turned out to be much tougher than it seemed on paper. Metz did not enjoy many chances, however, they were able to reach Subasic’s goal a couple of times, making the reigning champions uncomfortable during stages of the match. The only goal of the game would come through Radamel Falcao, as he took out the keeper after controlling Rachid Ghezzal’s clever chip pass over the defence.

Monaco went on to defeat Metz by a final score of 0-1, as Jardim’s side made history by becoming the only club in Ligue 1 history to win 15 consecutive matches. They are 1 of only 3 teams to start the campaign with 9 points after 3 matches.

Lyon – Bordeaux

Lyon, who started the season off with 2 convincing wins, hosted Bordeaux at the Stade des Lumiers. Genesio aligned a similar 11 from the first 2 matches, except Kenny Tete featured on the right for Rafael da Silva. Tousart and Darder had significantly weak games, as neither were able to control the midfield at any time. Lyon’s attack gave life to the team, as their problems in midfield were covered by their mobility in the final third. Bordeaux aligned a 4-3-3, with Malcom and Francois Kamano providing the width for the away side. Both youngsters also provided constant pace and an aggressive mentality.

OL started off the match strong and concentrated, with two quick goals coming within the first 23 minutes of action. Man of the moment Nabil Fekir opened the score, with new signing Kenny Tete doubling the lead for the home side. Lyon’s problems would start when Sergi Darder conditioned the match for them. The Spaniard got two yellow cards within 3 minutes of each other, leaving his team with 10 men from the 36^th minute. The effects were immediate, as Bordeaux’s Malcom scored to make it 2-1 just 5 minutes after. New signing Bertrand Traore scored his first goal in Ligue 1 for the club, after failing to do so in his first 2 official matches. Bordeaux would then conduct an unthinkable comeback scoring in the 88^th and 91^st minute to tie the score 3-3. Centre midfielder Lukas Lerager scored the second and Malcom completed his brace for the concluding 3-3.

Saint-Etienne – Amiens

Surprising everyone with their start to the campaign is Saint-Etienne. Not only by their results, but Oscar Garcia’s side looks as solid as the club has in years. They are developing a well-defined style of play, which seems to improve with every game. For ASSE, Bryan Dado had the most solid outing, contributing to the final score with 2 goals. Jonathan Bamba opened the score from the penalty spot just 13 minutes into the match, giving Saint-Etienne a tranquil start to the match. Man of the Match Bryan Dado doubled the lead, again from the spot. Dado tripled the lead in the 66^th minute for the conclusive 3-0.

Saint-Etienne are one of only 3 teams to have a perfect start in Ligue 1 after 3 matches, with French giants Monaco and PSG being the other two.

Marseille – Angers

After drawing against Bordeaux and defeating Amiens, Angers would now visit the Stade Orange Velodrome. Rudi Garcia’s side aligned with a 4-3-3, with Bouna Sarr being a constant protagonist down the right. Morgan Sanson also had a positive performance for the home side, as he created numerous chances for Rudi Garcia’s men.

Marseille would grab an early lead after Sanson assisted Bouna Sarr in the 17^th minute. After that, the match pretty much went both ways. Both teams had numerous chances, until Karl Toko Ekambi equaled the score in the 71^st minute. The score would stand until the final whistle, as both teams both went home with a point.

PSG – Toulouse

Last weekend PSG hosted Toulouse at the Parc des Princes, as the Parisian side were looking to repeat last weekend’s tally and pull-off a comfortable win. Emery commenced with a 4-3-3, with Rabiot being the man to connect the attack with the defence. His play-making and organizational skills are improving each season, and this year the French midfielder could make a name for himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe. On the other hand, Neymar possessed a tactically free positioned role, making him the creative link that took care of PSG’s transitioning. The Brazilian’s position is similar to Messi’s ‘false 9 role’ under Pep Guardiola.

Toulouse surprised the home crowd with an early goal scored by Max-Alain Gradel, just 18 minutes into the match. It wouldn’t take long before the “signing of the century” pulled off a majestic piece of skill to tie things up at 1-1. Adrien Rabiot gave PSG the lead shortly after that. Italian Marco Verratti was shown a red card in the 69^th minute, after foolishly receiving 2 yellow cards. After Verratti’s red, Cavani would calm the game a little with a goal from the spot, making the score 3-1. The game wasn’t done, however, as Christopher Jullien gave a small amount of hope for the away side with a goal in the 78^th minute, making it 3-2. Emery’s side would then unleash the monster after Jullien’s goal, scoring three quick goals through Pastore, Kurzawa, and Neymar to complete a wide victory by a score of 6-2. PSG started off the campaign with a perfect 9/9 points, alongside Monaco and Saint-Etienne, who they face next weekend.

Other Scores:

Montpellier 1-1 Strasbourg

Daniel Congre
Idriss Saadi

Rennes 2-2 Dijon

Firmin Mubele Ndombe (2)
Chang-Hoon Kwon
Julio Tavares

Troyes 0-1 Nantes

Emiliano Sala

Lille 0-2 Caen

Damien da Silva, Ivan Santini

Nice 2-0 Guingamp

Alassane Plea
Remi Walter

Top Goalscorers:

Falcao -5

Cavani -3

Neymar -3

Fekir -3

N’Jie -3

Mariano -3