(Ligue 1 2022/2023): Highlights ANGERS - MONACO

Monaco travel to Andrés Stade-Raymond Coppa, having lost their previous two games to the tune of seven goals conceded and none scored. 3-0 away to Lens and 4-0 at home to Montpellier. To make matters worse, they were without suspended 17-goal top scorer Wissam Ben Yedda and injured 12-goal Briel Mbolo. They were, however, coming up against an already relegated SCO side that had managed just 14 points all season. And it took them just 10 minutes to produce their first decent chance. Careless at the back from the hosts, Youssef Oufana forcing a fine save from Paul Bernadoni. A few minutes later, van der Zandt then set Takumi Minamino up for a chance, but he too came off second best to the André goalkeeper. And the chances kept coming. Bernadoni once again had to be on his toes to keep Mairon Boedou out. Great reaction save. A well-hit effort. Philippe Clement with some clear instructions on the sidelines, but it would be André who would finally create an opportunity next. Bernadoni's heroics matched by his opposite number, Alexander Nubel, making himself big as Ibrahim Enyan found himself in on goal. But just before half-time, finally an effort that would get the better of a goalkeeper and understandably so. Alexander Golovkin obliterating the deadlock with an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box. It left Bernadoni rooted to the spot. He has been involved in 15 top-flight goals this campaign, 8 goals and 7 assists. Only one Russian player has done better in the top 5 European leagues since OpTic began. Collecting that data in 2006, André Arshavin, 17, with Arsenal in 2010-2011. Contrasting emotions, clear to see, and that was enough to see them ahead of the break. André had lost 25 of their first 33 games, the most ever at this stage of the competition. The record for defeats in a single top-flight campaign is held by Thois Arshavin, with 28 defeats in 1960-61. Of course for number 26 here, closing in on that unwanted record. And on the hour mark, loss number 26 would look even more likely. Captain Nebu Bentaleb lost out in a one-on-one. The ball fell nicely to Youssef Affana, who in turn found Boadu. The Dutch youngster finished well to double the lead. Clinical finish from Boadu. The 22-year-old has scored just the two goals so far in nine Liga Uber Eats starts with Monaco. But both have come against André. The home side would give their loyal fans something to cheer about at least. A little while later. Van der Zandt eased off the ball. Now by the touchline. And Sko making the most of a quick throw. Ahmed Abdeli's drilled cross headed home by Abdallah Seymour. André's last three league goals at home have been scored by substitutes. Sobhanovic against Lille. Thieu against Paris Saint-Germain. And now Seymour against Monaco. So Alexandre Dujeux at least doing something right with his in-game tactical changes. But very little to cheer about overall for the Sko fans. And there was to be no comeback. Monaco's 64 points after 34 games is the third highest tally for a side-ranked fourth at this stage of a top-flight season in the 21st century. And this result keeps their hopes of a late dash for the podium alive.