ASSE faced Le Havre on the second matchday of the Ligue 1 championship. In this first game at Geoffroy Guichard during the Kilmer Sports era (with a delegation present in the stands), the stadium was missing its two main supporters’ sections. Here are the highlights and lowlights from the editorial staff.
Summary of ASSE-HAC
It marked the splendid return of the Stéphanois to the cauldron. However, with both kops absent, Olivier Dall’Oglio’s men were determined to bring smiles back to their supporters. After a quiet first fifteen minutes, it was Le Havre who first posed a threat. Nzuzi lost possession, allowing the visitors to apply pressure, forcing Abdelhamid and Larsonneur into action. Moments later, another danger approached the green defense when Toure’s header sailed just over the Stéphanoise goal.
The Greens responded, with Cafaro taking a chance, but hitting the bar. The Stéphanois continued to press; Nzuzi received the ball down the right flank and delivered a precise cross to Cafaro, who directed a header straight into the hands of Desmas. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.
Things picked up in the second half.
There was no period of observation this time as both teams increased their intensity. ASSE created the first opportunity of the second half with a corner. Amougou reacted to a loose ball in the area, but his shot went wide. Le Havre, needing points following their defeat to PSG, found the necessary drive. Appiah, introduced at halftime, was caught up in his duel and committed a foul, resulting in a penalty for HAC that Touré converted. 1-0 for Didier Digard’s side. Soon after, on a corner taken by Abdelhamid, Sangante extended the lead, silencing the cauldron with a score of 2-0 for Le Havre. The score remained unchanged, leading ASSE to its second consecutive defeat. Their next match is scheduled for next Saturday at 5 PM against Brest.
ASSE Tops
Mathis Amougou
Already a standout against Monaco last weekend, the young midfielder once again earned ODO’s trust. He repaid that trust by being one of the few bright spots in this match. He even could have scored his first goal of the season, but his shot went off target.
Mathieu Cafaro
He was among the few attackers willing to take risks this Saturday evening. Dashing down his left flank, Mathieu Cafaro troubled the Le Havre defense. Unfortunately for him and the fans, he couldn’t capitalize on his opportunities. At least he made attempts…
Boakye and Wadji’s contributions
The two substitutes aimed to disrupt a well-organized HAC defense. With their pace, they effectively contributed to the team dynamic. Coming on for Sissoko and Tardieu, they offered significantly more than their predecessors.
The Flops
Zuriko Davitashvili
Like against Monaco, the former Bordeaux player was one of the match’s disappointments. Once again, the Georgian struggled to display his full technical ability. He is facing a challenging start to his time with ASSE in Ligue 1. Davitashvili must quickly improve if he wants to maintain his spot in the starting eleven.
Marwann Nzuzi
Similar to last weekend, he found himself in serious trouble. His repeated loss of possession put ASSE in danger on multiple occasions, including one sequence that could have led to a goal for the opposition. The young full-back is facing tremendous difficulties in his professional debut in the green colors.
Lack of offensive efficiency
This issue has plagued ASSE season after season. The Saint-Etienne attackers frequently squander their chances in front of the opposing goal. In this match, the few opportunities the Greens had should have resulted in goals. Cafaro had a weak header that failed to trouble Desmas, followed by Amougou missing the target from the penalty spot. An improvement will be essential next Saturday against Brest.
Quentin Verchere
ASSE faced Le Havre for the second day of the championship Ligue 1. For this first match at Geoffroy Guichard under the Kilmer Sports era (a delegation was present in the stands), the cauldron was missing its two lungs. Here are the tops and flops of the editorial staff.
Summary of ASSE vs. Le Havre
The anticipation was palpable as the Stéphanois returned to the cauldron. Unfortunately, with the absence of their two kops, Olivier Dall’Oglio’s team was keen to bring joy back to their supporters. However, after a quiet first quarter of an hour, it was Le Havre who began to threaten. Nzuzi lost the ball, and the visitors ramped up the pressure, forcing Abdelhamid and Larsonneur into action. A few minutes later, Le Havre’s Toure saw his header sail over the Stéphanoise bar.
The Greens responded as Cafaro took a powerful shot that struck the bar. As they pushed for the goal, Nzuzi found space in the right corridor, delivering a millimeter-perfect cross to Cafaro, but his header was comfortably caught by Desmas. The first half ended with a stalemate, 0-0.
The second half saw both teams come out with renewed vigor. ASSE produced the first opportunity, with Amougou connecting with a loose ball in the area, but his shot went off target. Desperate for points after their previous defeat against PSG, Le Havre upped their game. Appiah, after his half-time introduction, committed a foul in the box, leading to a penalty for HAC, which Touré converted. Le Havre led 1-0. Shortly after, a corner conceded by Abdelhamid allowed Sangante to double the advantage, sending a chill through the cauldron at 2-0. The score remained unchanged as ASSE suffered their second consecutive defeat. Their next match is scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m. against Brest.
ASSE Tops
Mathis Amougou
Following a strong performance against Monaco last weekend, the young midfielder continued to earn ODO’s trust. Amougou was one of the rare bright spots in this game, showing great potential and should have scored, though his shot went wide of the target.
Mathieu Cafaro
Cafaro was one of the few attackers who consistently attempted to break through the Le Havre defense. His dynamic play on the left side created numerous challenges for the opposition, although he struggled to convert his chances into goals.
Boakye and Wadji’s Substitutions
The introductions of Boakye and Wadji aimed to shake up a strong HAC defense. Their speed and collective mindset provided a more significant impact on the game compared to their predecessors, Sissoko and Tardieu.
ASSE Flops
Zuriko Davitashvili
Unfortunately for Davitashvili, his struggles continued. Having been a flop in the previous match against Monaco, the Georgian midfielder failed to showcase his skills, significantly impacting his chances of keeping his place in the starting lineup.
Marwann Nzuzi
Nzuzi found himself in a challenging position, repeatedly putting ASSE in precarious situations due to careless ball losses. His rocky start to professional football in the green jersey has certainly raised concerns among fans and management alike.
Lack of Offensive Efficiency
This game’s recurring challenge was glaringly evident: the attackers’ inability to find the back of the net. Despite having opportunities, the Greens wasted crucial chances. Cafaro’s header was underpowered, as was Amougou’s shot from the penalty area. Enhanced accuracy is necessary moving forward to achieve better results against Brest.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | ASSE | Le Havre |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Target | 4 | 5 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 10 |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Fouls Committed | 10 | 14 |
Practical Tips for ASSE Fans
- Keep the Faith: Despite the team’s performance, your unwavering support can influence the players’ mindset.
- Stay Informed: Follow the team’s news closely, including player updates and match previews, to engage more meaningfully with the ongoing season.
- Engage Socially: Join fan forums or social media groups to share thoughts and build a community around the club’s journey.
First-Hand Experience from ASSE Supporters
Many fans expressed their frustration following the match, particularly regarding the team’s lack of scoring precision. One supporter remarked, “We need those goals if we want to turn things around this season. We’ve got the heart, we just need the execution.” This sentiment echoes the feelings of many within the fanbase, and supporters remain hopeful for improvement in upcoming fixtures.