Rennes’ poor run continues
Ligue 1, Auxerre 2 - 1 Stade rennais. Rarely successful at l'Abbé-Deschamps, Stade Rennes were once more unable to get the 3 points from their trip in Bourgogne. Worse, Frédéric Antonetti’s men conceded two goals and a defeat. They have now failed to win since October 3rd.
It starts feeling like a distant memory. On October 3, Rennes had beaten Toulouse to take the lead of the Ligue 1 Championship. After the 13th game week – and with a game in hand - Frédéric Antonetti’s men have fallen down to a much more anonymous fifth place.
From the usually difficult trip to Auxerre, what conclusions could Antonetti draw? Certainly that his team’s attacking inefficiency remains an issue. Montaño was once more left on his own upfront, and he never looked like he had a chance to score, while Brahimi, given the nod instead of Marveaux, failed to show any hint that he has what it takes to be a regular starter.
Kembo’s good run of form or Dalmat’s increased attacking input could give him some reasons to be satisfied, but the road seems very long, until he could count on an efficient attacking line.
As for Auxerre, they played their game. Struggling on physical terms, they continued on their current dynamic, a team surfing on success. Dominating their subject in the first half, with two dangerous occasions from corner-kicks, they went on to let the initiative to their opponents.
Unable to put Sorin in any sort of trouble, Rennes did not manage to make much of their possession. Auxerre’s opener, a beautifully curled shot from Birsa came as a punishment (67’). Clinical, the Bourguignons failed to hold onto their advantage. At the receiving end of Danzé’s cross, Kembo’s header was deflected by Dudka on his own post. With a bit of luck, the ball bounced back towards Kembo who took his chance to slot the ball home from less than a metre (70’).
Immediately, Rennes started dominating the game again, and it seemed they had the ability to snatch a result in the last fifteen minutes. But Auxerre’s “good fortune”, as per Antonetti’s words eventually won them the game. A clever chipped pass over Rennes’ defence allowed Roy Contout to arrive alone in front of Douchez. The goalkeeper tripped the striker, but Quercia followed well to push the ball inside the net from a narrow angle and clinch victory for his side (86’).
Defeated on the road for the first time this season, Rennes left Bourgogne with a lot of disappointment and the feeling they could have done so much better. Did you say “déjà vu?”
Game Sheet
AJ AUXERRE 2 - 1 STADE RENNAIS FC (half-time : 0-0)
Ligue 1, Game Week 13
Sunday, November 14th, 2010, 17:00 CET
Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps
Attendance : 9 089 spectators
Referee: Saïd Ennjimi
Goals : Birsa (67’) and Quercia (86’) for Auxerre ; Kembo Ekoko (70’) for Rennes
Yellow Cards : Contout (23’), Grichting (62’), Pedretti (69’) & Chafni (89’) for Auxerre ; Danzé (88’) for Rennes
- AJ Auxerre : Sorin - Dudka, Grichting, Coulibaly, Mignot - Birsa (Quercia, 85’), Oliech (Chafni, 81’), Pedretti (cap), N’Dinga - Sammaritano, Contout.
Manager : Jean Fernandez.
- Stade rennais FC : Douchez - Danzé, Fanni, Mangane (cap), Théophile-Catherine - M’Vila, Dalmat, Doumbia - Kembo Ekoko (Camara, 84’), Montaño, Brahimi (Marveaux, 56’).
Manager : Frédéric Antonetti.