Lyon secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Lille away from home, demonstrating their strong early-season form. This win puts them level on points with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the top of Ligue 1. Tyler Morton's first goal for Lyon proved decisive in the match held at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The match saw Morton, an English midfielder who recently joined Lyon from Liverpool, head in a precise cross from Argentine Nicolás Tagliafico in the 13th minute. Despite Lille's strong response, they couldn't find an equalizer, thanks to outstanding saves from Lyon's goalkeeper Dominik Greif. Greif notably denied Osame Sahraoui's late, powerful shot, securing all three points for the visitors.
Lyon's captain, Corentin Tolisso, described the team's start to the season as "exceptional," despite acknowledging the difficulty of the match against Lille. Lyon has now won five of their first six matches for the first time in 17 years. Their strong defensive record is also noteworthy, as they are the only Ligue 1 team yet to concede in the first half of any match this season. This defensive stability has contributed to five clean sheets in six league games.
Lille's coach, Bruno Genesio, who previously coached Lyon, was sent off in the final 20 minutes of the game after kicking a water bottle near the fourth official. Genesio felt the dismissal was unfair and insisted his team deserved a better result. Lille has now suffered consecutive defeats, leaving them in sixth place in the league standings with 10 points. After a perfect start to the season with three straight wins, Lille has struggled in recent matches.
With this win, Lyon joins PSG at the top of the Ligue 1 table, with both teams having 15 points. PSG remains in first place only due to goal difference. Marseille has slipped to third place following Lyon's recent surge. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Lyon, especially considering their near relegation due to financial irregularities in July.
Other matches this weekend saw Brest defeat Angers 2-0, and Metz and Le Havre played to a goalless draw. Nice drew 1-1 with Paris FC. Rennes and Lens played a frustrating goalless draw. Lens had Jonathan Gradit sent off in the opening minute.
The Ligue 1 season is shaping up to be tightly contested, with several teams vying for the top spots, and Lyon has clearly signaled their intention to be a strong contender.
