Pape Moussa Fall scores three as Metz return to winning ways in Ligue 2

Pape Moussa Fall scored three times as FC Metz ended a run of three consecutive league draws with a 4-1 victory over Rodez on Saturday.

The Senegalese striker opened the scoring after only eight minutes, setting Metz on course for an important victory as they looked to return to winning ways following a frustrating run of results.

Metz had started their league campaign with a victory but were unable to build on that result, drawing their next three matches. Their latest stalemate came against Annecy on Matchday 4, when the sides finished 1-1.

They responded strongly against Rodez, with Fall making an early impact.

The forward put Metz ahead in the eighth minute before Rodez responded by finding an equaliser in the 35th minute.

Metz regained control of the match before half-time, with Deminguet restoring their advantage before Fall added his second goal to put the home side 3-1 ahead.

The Senegal international was not finished, however, and continued his outstanding display after the interval.

Fall completed his hat-trick shortly after the restart, giving Metz a commanding 4-1 lead and effectively putting the result beyond Rodez.

The three-goal performance has also taken Fall to the top of the Ligue 2 scoring charts. His third goal of the afternoon was his fifth of the season in five matches.

Fall’s start to the campaign has therefore been particularly productive, with the striker finding the net in each of his first five matches.

His latest goals were crucial for Metz, who were searching for a victory after being held to three successive draws.

The 4-1 result gives the Garnets a significant boost in their attempt to move up the Ligue 2 table. Metz temporarily climbed into fourth place following their victory over Rodez.

The match also underlined Fall’s importance to the side, with the Senegalese forward responsible for three of Metz’s four goals.

After opening the scoring inside the first 10 minutes, he restored the team’s advantage before completing his treble in the second half.

For Metz, the victory brings an end to their run of draws and provides a strong response to the 1-1 result against Annecy in their previous league fixture.

For Fall, meanwhile, the hat-trick takes his season tally to five goals from five matches and puts him at the summit of the Ligue 2 scoring standings.

Metz will take confidence from the emphatic result, while Fall’s goalscoring form continues to be one of the main highlights of their start to the campaign.