Toulouse-MHSC notes: Sagnan in rock mode, Kouyaté really back, Savanier has recovered well

Modibo Sagnan a livré une grande partie, avec un but en prime, dimanche. Midi Libre – ALEXANDRE DIMOU

Les deux défenseurs centraux ont formé une paire de haut niveau et été les grands artisans d’un succès également impulsé par le réveil du meneur de jeu en seconde période, dimanche 26 janvier à Toulouse.

Lecomte (5): captain as against Monaco, he had a quiet first half hour. This was followed by a volley from King pushed back with both fists (30th) then a complicated clearance after a misunderstanding with Sagnan (37th) and a foot intervention on a scramble (39th). But he especially scared himself by tackling Aboukhlal for a penalty that was ultimately disallowed (41st). He ended up bowing out, helpless because he was masked on Casseres' strike (59th).

Tchato (6): the Cameroonian international confirms his progress. Author of a solid match, he made several good interventions and was rarely caught out.

Kouyaté (7):a tackle in his own way, without holding back, on Aboukhlal and King (15th) but also another, in the void, on the action of the cancelled penalty (41st). For his return, the Malian made his mark and considerably hampered the Toulouse King. He also saved a shot from Donnum on his line (59th). Fifteen days after his failed return and this expulsion against Angers, it's back for “Kiki”.

Sagnan (8):his disagreement with Lecomte could have cost him dearly (37th). A slag on a very high-level copy with very many interventions and a constant presence in the duels, until the end of added time. A great match to which we must add this attacking goal, on which he pushed the cork to the point of having the ball passed behind his leg before a perfect left-footed shot (62nd).

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Sylla (not rated): the Guinean left-back experienced a furtive return to Toulouse, one of his former clubs. The defender was forced to give up his place in the 7th minute after hurting himself on a pass along the touchline. Replaced by Théo Sainte-Luce (note 5) who had a lot to do against Donnum but did well despite losing many balls (17).

Omeragic (6): in this position, the same as in Lyon where he had already shone, the Swiss once again brought in the positioning and the impact. He multiplied the interceptions and communicated enormously with his partners. Replaced by Birama Touré (89th), not seen since November 10 in L1.

Chotard (5):cautioned in the 41st minute, he struggled for a long time to find his place or to stand out. And he slipped in front of Gboho on the action that led to the penalty that was finally disallowed (41st). But he worked hard and gave a lot in the duel zones.

Nzingoula (3): cautioned for his first foul for a tackle in midfield on Gboho (17th), already his eighth caution this season, he will be suspended in Strasbourg in two weeks. He even came close to being sent off in the second half. He could have also scored on an offering from Tamari but came up against Restes (23rd). Again not having a great day, he was too scattered. Replaced by Khalil Fayad (60th), author of a beautiful entry, notably in the intensity.

Savanier (6):he pressed but initially ran a lot in the void, without managing to show his team the direction when he had the ball. And like his missed deep pass to Tamari (51st), he was too lacking in accuracy. Before raising the cursor in the last half hour with the free kick that led to the first goal then the perfect cross for Maamma's header.

Tamari (5): with other studs, what would have happened to the counterattack in the 2nd minute ? After changing shoes, and stopping sliding, the Jordanian stole a pass back from McKenzie (23rd). But his role as a point guard was thankless, the vast majority of passes forcing him to sprint often in vain. As usual, he insisted and fought. Replaced by Tanguy Coulibaly (89th).

Khazri (2):stopped too often, with an annoying nonchalance, he brought far too little and lost too many balls (12). At least he recovered a few (6). Replaced by Othmane Maamma (60th) who could have negotiated some shots better. Before emerging to place his header (83rd) and score the second goal in L1 of his young career.

Coach Jean-Louis Gasset (7): rather than a five-man defense against Toulouse's 3-4-3, he had once again positioned Omeragic as a sentinel in front of the Kouyaté-Sagnan hinge. He adjusted his tactics in the first half, switching to a flat 4-4-1-1 that worked better defensively. Offensively, however, his team never managed to settle down for a long time, limiting itself to playing transitions and lots of long balls. But he pulled it off and his coaching – the introduction of Maamma and Fayad – changed the face of his team.

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