Following back-to-back draws, Sébastien Pocognoli got his first win as manager of AS Monaco, beating Toulouse 1-0 at the Stade Louis II on Saturday night.
Four successive draws, two under Adi Hutter and then two under Pocognoli, preceded Le TéFéCé’s visit to the Principality. However, the overriding feeling was one of optimism coming into this game. Even Thomas Frank believed that Monaco deserved more than just one point when Tottenham Hotspur came to town on Wednesday.
But the draw extended what was a barren run both in the league and in Europe, and one that Pocognoli was desperate to bring to an end. They went about it in the right way, getting onto the front foot in the opening exchanges. From a Kassoum Outtara ball into the box, the onrushing Mohammed Salisu found the far corner to build on a positive fortnight. A goal-scorer while on international duty with Ghana, he put in his best performance of the season against Tottenham and signed his timely return to form with another strong display.
Restes keeps Toulouse in the game
Within six minutes, Monaco could have doubled their advantage, but this time, Guillaume Restes was equal to the effort as he rushed off his line to make the save. He then made another big save to deny Folarin Balogun later in the half, before Fati failed to hit the target on the rebound.
After being denied by a goalkeeping masterclass in midweek, Pocognoli would have been fearing a repeat as Restes kept Toulouse in the game. Whilst Le TéFéCé rarely threatened Philipp Kohn in the Monaco goal, they were an ever-present threat with their set-pieces and long throws, the likes of which unsettled the Monégasque defence in midweek.
Restes continued to thwart the hosts in the second half. George Ilenikhena, off the bench, looked to chip the France youth international but misjudged his long-range effort, but his best save of the night was reserved for another substitute, Pape Cabral. The Monaco academy product’s shot was saved by the Toulouse goalkeeper, whose trailing hand diverted the ball back towards Cabral, whose rebound did beat Restes but not the post.
A first win in over a month for Monaco
It made for a nervy finish, but Monaco held on to win their first game in Ligue 1 since 21st September. “It’s a good feeling after five games without a win. A goal and a clean sheet, I am very happy,” reacted Salisu. Under Hutter, there were often results but rarely performances. In the opening two games of the Pocognoli era, there were performances but not the results to match, but against Toulouse, Monaco had both.
Provisionally back on the podium in Ligue 1, the Principality club will hope that this is a turning point. CEO Thiago Scuro said at the time of Pocognoli’s appointment that the club had their season’s objectives “under control”. It is through the newfound defensive solidity and improved performances heralded by the Belgian’s arrival that they will reach them.
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Photo source: AS Monaco