(Ligue 1 2023/2024): Highlights MONACO - MONTPELLIER

Monaco started matchday 14 on the podium, but anything but a win over Montpellier at the Stade Louis-Dieu, that position would be under threat. That's the consequence of just one win in four, including their bruising loss to PSG in the capital last time out. Montpellier were docked a point for their Clermont match, abandoned in stoppage time while they led 4-2. They earned that back thanks to a late Deje Savanier penalty, the rearranged fixture four days ago. A match that winless in four, just above the bottom three, with their coach looking on from the stands. Picking out fellow wing-back Ruben Aguilar, and when his shot was panned out, Takumi Minamino, with his fifth of the season. That's one more than the last two league campaigns with Liverpool, then Monaco, last term combined. The 5-2 defeat, their last outing, Philip Kuhn certainly was looking for a better defensive performance. Wasn't being helped out when Ruben Aguilar had his pocket picked by Moussa Tamari, denied by the outstretched foot of the German-born Swiss international. But then, at the other end, it was a former Monaco keeper that reminded the Stade Louis-Dieu of his talents, Golovin, on his 150th game for Monaco, denied by Benjamin Lecomte. Wabi Kajri then linked up with Agor Adams and Moussa Tamari, who's the Nigerian who finally had the effort on goal. The Nigerian yet to add to his seven goals this season, Mohamed Kamara helping out his goalkeeper. Another defense splitting pass, but instead of shooting, elected Tamari to pick out Wabi Kajri, who himself laid it on for Agor Adams. Eventually someone taking on the chance, but that's no goals in Adams' last five outings. The fans hopeful at the break, but one nil down. Monaco looking to confirm the victory in the second half. Golovin finding Jacob's German-born recent Senegalese cap, feeling the overlap with his strike down the throat of Benjamin Lecomte. I think Golovin would try to get back in the scoring act. Couldn't it be much closer? Striking the post before Lecomte got a bit lucky. The Russian with five goals in seven in a couple of red-hot months. Then the match seemed to get away from Montpellier. Boubacar Kouyaté, on VAR review, sent packing his first red since Ligue 2 Pekete's mad match and mess loss to Gangon 6-3 two seasons ago. Wissam Bediére then stepped off the bench and would soon be setting another benchmark, but only after Moussa Tamari thought he'd leveled the affair, only for a brilliant block to save Monaco. Certainly heading them in the right direction when Wissam Bediére was on the prowl, budging off his fellow captain. In the clash of captains there was only one winner. Bediére the first player to score 100 home goals in Ligue 1 Uber Eats in the 21st century and Bappé still on 98. The last player to reach the milestone for certain Jean-Pierre Papin in November 96. 2-0 Monaco back on track to stay on the podium. Just two points from second place rivals Nice. Montpellier with a group of three clubs just a point above the bottom three places.