Ernest Nuamah scores on birthday as Lyon beat Angers after new tactical role

Ernest Nuamah marked his 23rd birthday with a goal as Olympique Lyonnais secured a 2-0 victory over Angers at the Groupama Stadium, with the Ghanaian forward impressing in an unfamiliar centre-forward role.

Nuamah was handed a starting position through the middle by head coach Paulo Fonseca and repaid that decision by finding the net in the 38th minute to help Lyon claim an important three points.

It was the first time since the start of a match that the Ghanaian had been deployed as a central striker, having previously featured in other attacking positions.

The change offered Fonseca an opportunity to explore another dimension of Nuamah’s attacking qualities, and the 23-year-old responded with an encouraging performance.

Known largely for his pace, direct running and ability to trouble defenders in wide areas, Nuamah showed that he could also make an impact closer to the opposition’s goal.

His movement into central areas and willingness to drop deeper to participate in Lyon’s attacking play provided another option for the French side.

The goal against Angers also represented an important personal achievement for the Ghana international. He has now scored four goals in Ligue 1 this season, setting a new personal best in the French top flight.

His overall contribution has also been encouraging, with the forward taking his tally to six goals in all competitions for Lyon.

However, there was a slight concern towards the end of the contest when Nuamah experienced discomfort in his right hamstring.

The Ghanaian was unable to finish the match without showing signs of discomfort, raising questions about his physical condition after an impressive outing.

Fonseca, however, offered a reassuring assessment of the situation, suggesting that the issue was more related to fatigue than a serious injury.

That will be encouraging news for Lyon, particularly given the importance Nuamah has begun to have within the team’s attacking options.

The victory was equally significant for the French club as it brought an end to their run of two consecutive defeats.

Lyon had been looking for a response after their recent setbacks, and the result against Angers provided the opportunity to return to winning ways.

The three points also lifted Fonseca’s side to third place in the Ligue 1 standings, keeping them among the leading teams in the competition.

For Nuamah, the evening was memorable on both an individual and collective level. Scoring on his birthday, reaching a new personal goalscoring record in Ligue 1 and successfully operating in a different attacking position made it an encouraging occasion for the Ghanaian.

His performance could also give Fonseca another option to consider as Lyon continue their campaign.