(Ligue 1 2022/2023): Highlights Losc - Strasbourg

Lille and Strasbourg faced off on Sunday afternoon with 20 points separating the teams in the table. Despite being reduced to 10, Lrassing managed to hold on to their third win of the season last time out against Montpellier, still found themselves one point inside this year's expanded relegation zone. Loss, on the other hand, moved to within two points of fifth-placed Rennes, and thus the European places, after their impressive win against Lyonnais. So a potentially pivotal clash for both sides, and it was Les Dogues who were chomping at the bit in the early stages. First, Etiago Diallo, header, was brilliantly parried away by Matt Sels. Reactions from the Belgian, but the ball would be heading back in his direction soon enough. Lille in no hurry to lump the ball back in. Jose Font even ending up in an unusual position on the wing. Picking out a nice ball to Remy Caber, who flicked it on for Jonathan David. The Canadian denied as well by Sels. Two great saves to keep his side on level terms. That wouldn't be the case for very long. Hedon Jagrova, this time a more likely candidate on the right wing. Making his way into the box, getting the ball back and brought down by Luca Perrin. No doubt in the referee's mind, and the look of resignation on Perrin's face. David, of course, the man to step up, and keeping his cool, slotting calmly into the bottom corner. The New York-born Canada International's 13th of the campaign, and the man born near Times Square didn't need much time to grab a 14th. Just five minutes later, lost other Jonathan. Jonathan Bomba denied by Sels, but David there to pounce on the rebound. Already just one short of his impressive tally of 15 from last year, and moving within one of Flo Baligan at the top of the scoring charts. The first to react, finding the net. The frustration of the keeper. Lille had won six of their previous seven top-flight games against Strasbourg, as many as in the 21 before that. Well on course to continue that good form here. Strasbourg did come out with a little more intent in the second period. Kevin Guimero putting in a cross for the man who scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Montpellier. But Habib Diallo's shot blocked on this occasion. New Ukrainian signing, Eduard Sobol, also trying to conjure something up on the left wing. But in truth, the visitors never had the creativity to threaten Lost's lead. And 2-0 is how it would end. Back-to-back wins for Lille, combined with back-to-back losses for Rennes, sees them finally climb into the top five, while Strasbourg remain in the bottom four.