Moses Simon’s impactful performance propelled Nantes to a crucial 3-1 victory against Lens in a Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade de la Beaujoire. This win significantly bolsters Nantes’ fight against relegation, providing a much-needed boost to their survival hopes. Simon, a key figure in Nantes’ attack, played a pivotal role in securing the three points, showcasing his multifaceted abilities throughout the match.
The game began with Nantes asserting their dominance, culminating in Louis Leroux’s opening goal in the 36th minute. This established a well-deserved lead for the hosts heading into halftime. Upon resumption, Moses Simon further extended Nantes’ advantage, converting a penalty kick in the 60th minute, his sixth goal of the Ligue 1 season. This strike underscored Simon’s consistent contribution to the team’s attacking output, adding to his already impressive tally of seven assists.
Lens responded swiftly, narrowing the deficit through Neil El Aynaoui’s penalty conversion just five minutes after Simon’s goal. This injected a renewed sense of urgency into the match, with Lens pushing for an equalizer. However, Nantes remained resolute in their defense and effectively countered Lens’s attempts to level the score. In the dying embers of the match, Meshack Elia sealed the victory for Nantes, scoring their third goal in stoppage time to secure a hard-fought 3-1 triumph.
Simon’s presence in the starting lineup was initially uncertain due to a knock sustained in training earlier in the week. However, he overcame this setback to feature prominently in Antoine Kombouaré’s attacking strategy, forming a potent trio alongside Matthis Abline and Mostafa Mohamed. Simon’s performance justified the manager’s faith in him, demonstrating his resilience and determination to contribute to the team’s success. This victory marked Nantes’ third home win across all competitions this season, a welcome statistic that serves as a testament to their improving form at the Stade de la Beaujoire. The three points earned propelled Nantes up the Ligue 1 table, placing them 14th with 24 points from 23 matches, a position that provides some breathing room in their battle against relegation.
A closer examination of Simon’s individual performance reveals his significant influence on the game’s outcome. His solitary shot on target resulted in a successful penalty conversion, showcasing his composure and clinical finishing ability. Beyond his goal-scoring contribution, Simon exhibited his dribbling prowess, completing four of his eight attempted take-ons. He also served as a creative spark for Nantes, providing two key passes, creating one big chance, and delivering four successful crosses from seven attempts. These statistics highlight his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Simon’s involvement extended beyond his attacking endeavors, contributing defensively with a clearance and actively contesting ground duels, winning eight of fourteen while drawing three fouls. His overall contribution was instrumental in securing the victory for Nantes, solidifying his importance to the team’s structure and playing style. He was eventually substituted for Francis Coquelin in the 89th minute, leaving the field after a highly effective and impactful performance.
Throughout the game, Simon’s consistent involvement was evident in his 51 touches and a 90% pass accuracy rate, completing 18 of his 20 attempted passes. This demonstrated his ability to retain possession and effectively distribute the ball to his teammates, facilitating Nantes’ attacking movements. While he missed one big chance, his overall contribution to the team’s success was undeniable. This win serves as a crucial stepping stone for Nantes in their bid to secure their Ligue 1 status for another season, and Simon’s pivotal role underscores his value to the team’s aspirations. His performance against Lens provides a strong platform for Nantes to build upon as they navigate the remaining challenges of the season.
