Folarin Balogun was kept off the scoresheet, but Monaco took care of business in a win over Metz to restore their lead over Paris Saint-Germain.
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Balogun solid in winMonaco back atop Ligue 1Golovin the star with two goals
Balogun was back with Monaco after a solid international break, one which saw him score a goal in the USMNT's 4-0 win over Ghana.
Monaco are fighting right near the top of Ligue 1 early in the season, and they kept up their fight by holding on to a 2-1 win over Metz that pushes them back to the summit – two points clear of champions PSG.
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
It was a horrible start for Monaco, who conceded an early goal to shock the home crowd. Metz, who entered the day 16th in the league, scored a stunning fourth-minute goal as Lamine Camara gave the visitors an early lead.
Monaco fought back, though. Aleksandr Golovin levelled the scoreline just before halftime, easing any concerns heading toward the break. The Russian midfielder then scored again in the 55th minute, helping Monaco seal the win, the three points, and their top spot on the table for another week.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
It was a solid performance from Balogun, even if he didn't get on the scoresheet. The American was one of Monaco's most dangerous attackers and, with a little bit of luck, Balogun could have gotten on the scoresheet himself.
He could have had an assist on the day, for sure, having combined well with new teammate Takumi Minamino. He also had several chances on his own to score, several of which saw him just a yard or two away from connecting with balls in his direction.
Overall, while he didn't get on the scoresheet, it was a performance that showed what Balogun is best at: creating danger. Normally, when he creates that danger, he gets a goal or two from it. He didn't on Sunday, but it's a safe bet that, on most days like this, he'll leave with at least one goal contribution to the Monaco cause.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
The USMNT will simply be glad to see Balogun fit and starting, and they'll know as well as anyone that, as long as that stays true, the goals will come.
Balogun has all but locked up that top striker position, even with Ricardo Pepi hot on his heels for most of the year. The difference between Balogun and Pepi, though, has been the ability to get goals, and, even if the former Arsenal starlet didn't get one of his own on Sunday, he showed why he gets them so often throughout his time on the pitch.
He'll get better, too, as he learns to play in an attack loaded with talent like Golovin, Minamino and veteran striker Wissam Ben Yedder. Balogun already has three goals an assist and, in that attack, he's bound to get a few more.
GettyGOAL'S RATINGS
Folarin Balogun (7/10):
Overall, a solid performance. Had one good shot on target and created two chances on his own. Completed 21 of 26 passes, staying involved in the attack, and, on another day, could have had a goal contribution or two.