AS Monaco have achieved back-to-back wins for the first time since February 2018 with a 4-1 victory over Brest.

Monaco’s 3-1 success against OGC Nice in the derby on Tuesday had eased the pressure on coach Leonardo Jardim as the 2017 champions finally got that first win of the season under their belts. Now they were targeting back-to-back wins for the first time since February as Ben Yedder returned to the starting line-up along with defensive duo Fodé Ballo-Touré and Kamil Glik.

Brest were fresh from holding Olympique Lyonnais in midweek for a third consecutive draw but the hosts served notice of their intentions as both Ben Yedder and Islam Slimani drew saves from Gautier Larsonneur in the early stages.

The opening goal duly followed in the 26th minute as a Gelson Martins cross was flicked on by Slimani for Ben Yedder to score.

Gaëtan Charbonnier squandered a great chance to equalise for Brest and the one goal was all that separated the teams at the break. The Brittany side then saw their hopes of getting back into the game dealt a blow when goalkeeper Larsonneur was forced off just before the hour mark, with Donovan Léon coming on his place.

The substitute goalkeeper had not played in the top flight since he was at AJ Auxerre in the 2011-12 season and he was very quickly picking the ball out of net. Monaco won a penalty when Léon brought down Ben Yedder in the area and Slimani stepped up to score from the spot for his fourth goal of the campaign (62′).

Slimani then released Martins to run through and score Monaco’s third in the 73rd minute only for Alexandre Mendy – who had replaced Brest captain Mathias Autret in the first half – to volley in for the visitors and reduce the deficit (77′).

Monaco were not finished there, though, and Keita Baldé wrapped up the win at the death, beating Léon after Slimani had again done the set-up work.

From their dreadful start to the season, Monaco are now level on points with Lyon and the outlook is far brighter for them. They also move above Brest, as Olivier Dall’Oglio’s side suffer their second loss of the campaign.

Monaco are getting a quick return on their €40 million summer investment in France striker Ben Yedder. Back in the starting line-up after being rested in midweek, Ben Yedder already has five goals in six games for the club. He also won the penalty scored by Islam Slimani for Monaco’s second goal.

Source: Ligue1.com