(Ligue 1 2023/2024): Highlights LE HAVRE - MONACO
After Nice's draw on Friday evening, Monaco knew they could move up to second and to within one point of leaders PSG,
if they could take all three points home from Loewe.
The Norman side began the day nine points, but just four places behind the visitors after an impressive start to the season.
New signing Andre Ayew was paraded on the Stade Océan pitch ahead of the game,
but for now goalscoring responsibilities remained with Loic N'Go and Mohamed Baio amongst others.
And the former nearly grabbed his first ball out since his summer move inside the first ten minutes
when Antoine Juju robbed Guillermo Maripan.
But N'Go's shot from a tight angle was well saved by Philippe Kahn.
Monaco settled as the first half went on though,
and Ismael Yacobs drew the first save from and opposite number Artur Dumas inside the half hour.
Nice dummy, good work from Ben Yedder as well.
Straight at Dumas in the end.
That save was easy enough. The next one was far trickier. Brilliant reactions.
Infuriated that the ball was allowed to get that close to his goal.
No more major chances followed.
And it was nil-nil at the break.
Loewe have lost just once in their last five home top flight games.
Winning two and drawing two after having lost the previous six.
Proving difficult to beat again here, even for high-flying Monaco.
The home side started the second half as they had the first, brightly.
Another save from Kern.
And Zakaria also tried his luck down the other end, but didn't test Dumas.
Keepers continued to come out on top.
Ball forward, ending up with a one-on-one.
But Kern standing tall.
If he wasn't already the hero, there would be one more big moment for the German-Swiss shot-stopper.
A moment in the box, which would result in a VAR check deep into injury time.
And Diop, a judge, to have fouled Emmanuel Sabi.
In fact, the penalty would be taken in the tenth minute of added time.
Samuel Gronzier with the penalty.
But Kern was to have the last say once again.
Five shots saved from open play.
And then denying the former Monaco man from the penalty spot with the final action of the game.
The last time Monaco kept a clean sheet at the Stade Océan was back in March 2003.
But Kern was set on putting an end to that particular stat on this day.