AJ Auxerre is off to a tough start in Ligue 1 with two losses in two matches. The Burgundy club was beaten at Lens (5-2) and then at home by Angers (1-3), results that leave them in the relegation zone.
What happened in the defeat at Lens?
According to the match report from RMC Sport, the opening day fixture at RC Lens turned into a rout for Auxerre. Lens won 5-2 at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis. Florian Thauvin opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute before Franjo Ivanovic, Saud Abdulhamid and Ismaelo Ganiou added to the tally. Auxerre replied through Danny Namaso, also from a penalty, and Lamine Sy, but defender Christ Makosso was sent off in the first half. This initial defeat left AJA bottom of the table, a situation confirmed by our stats page which shows 2 goals scored and 5 conceded.
Tim Meyer's team therefore approached the next match needing a reaction. The upcoming fixtures schedule is demanding, with a trip to Lyon set for September 4th. Having zero points after two matchdays is a serious handicap in the battle to avoid the drop.
Why is the loss to Angers concerning?
Per reports from L'Équipe Football and Sports - Orange, AJA fell again this Saturday, August 29th, at the Abbé-Deschamps, losing 3-1 to SCO Angers. The visitors took an early lead through Branco van den Boomen. Rémy Labeau Lascary equalised for Auxerre in the 36th minute, but the team collapsed in the second half. The introductions of Prosper Peter and Harouna Djibirin energized Angers, with the latter putting his team back ahead in the 71st minute. Amine El-Ouazzani sealed the score ten minutes later.
This performance was deemed disappointing, particularly defensively. L'Équipe highlighted the fragility of centre-back Sinaly Diomandé. Auxerre is now the only team in Ligue 1 without a single point. The current standings, visible on our standings page, show them in 17th place with 0 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses.
What are the immediate challenges for the team?
Manager Tim Meyer must find quick solutions to turn things around. The team is 4 points behind leaders Lille, and the -3 goal difference is a burden. The task is complicated by absences in the squad, with Assane Dioussé, Marvin Senaya and Sekou Fofana currently sidelined, as confirmed by our injuries list.
The next fixture away to Lyon, who are 4th in the table, represents a major challenge. The coaching staff will likely need to revise a defensive organisation that has conceded eight goals in two games. The ability to react under pressure will be decisive for the rest of September.
The start to the league campaign is clearly a failure for AJ Auxerre. The club must absolutely secure its first points in the upcoming matches to avoid being left behind in the fight for survival. The state of the squad and the management of absentees will be key elements in this quest for recovery.
