Paris Brunner struck again, giving Monaco a 2-1 victory at home. Can the club sustain this surge?
He opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, then forced Lens defender Jonathan Gradit into an own‑goal six minutes from the final whistle.
The win pushed Monaco three points clear atop the table, boasting four wins and a draw from five opening games.
At 20, Brunner has already netted six times this campaign, filling the gap left by American international Folarin Balogun, whose Premier League move fell through.
Balogun cameoed as a late substitute on Friday, marking his first appearance since the controversial World Cup clash against Belgium in July.
Lens felt the sting of a late concession, a setback after a chaotic week that saw coach Dino Toppmöller dismissed on Tuesday.
Visitor Matthieu Udol equalised twelve minutes into the second half, and despite creating further chances Lens remain tenth with four points.
Toppmöller had only overseen six matches, stepping in at season start to replace Pierre Sage, who departed for Crystal Palace after Lens finished runners‑up last term.
He captured the French Super Cup, oversaw a 5‑0 league debut and a Champions League win, yet was axed amid claims of a toxic staff environment.
The club said the dismissal followed extensive talks about the squad and coaching structure, noting Toppmöller refused the proposed changes.
‘Since Dino Toppmöller could not accept these structural adjustments, the club responsibly terminated his contract and those of his two assistants,’ the statement read.
Cahuzac’s appointment has sparked debate; for my money, hiring a friend with limited experience and no licence is a gamble.
Will Lens rebound under the new setup, or will the turmoil keep them mid‑table?