Victory made it a sixth consecutive home league win overall for Peter Bosz’s side, against a Troyes team that will reflect on a calamitous second half as they seek to avoid being one of four teams to be relegated this season.
Alexandre Lacazette was gifted the opening goal with only two minutes and nine seconds on the clock after Troyes skipper Adil Rami saw his backpass intercepted by the former-Arsenal man, who clinically fired a left-footed strike past Gauthier Gallon. The 31-year-old continued his impressive start to life back in France, with this the earliest goal he had ever managed to score for Lyon in all competitions. Les Gones lost the momentum from their fast start, and gave away a penalty when Nicolás Tagliafico brought down Mama Baldé. Florian Tardieu blasted home a superb spot-kick which nestled in the side of the net to leave the hosts rattled at HT.
Tagliafico redeemed himself for the error that led to a penalty with a goal within two minutes of the restart. Troyes’ defending left a lot to be desired, as Tetê’s ball across the box was fired home by the Argentine at the right-hand post to restore Lyon’s lead. Bruno Irles’ side were on the ropes and conceded again three minutes later when Tetê got himself on the scoresheet after Gallon spilled Lucas Paquetá’s shot into the Brazilian’s path. The defending from ESTAC was woeful at times, and they were counting their blessings when Lacazette failed to make a decent connection with an acrobatic effort from Karl Toko Ekambi’s cross. An inevitable fourth goal came through Tetê again, and it was all too easy for the Shakhtar Donetsk loanee to weave his way in from the left flank and beat Gallon at his near post with a low strike.
Stiffer tests lie ahead for Bosz’s side, who will be eager to right the wrong of failing to qualify for Europe this term. Reims are next on the agenda a week on Sunday, while three defeats from as many games makes grim reading for Troyes, who host Angers the same day.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Tetê (Olympique Lyonnais)