MONACO STALEMATE HANDS INITIATIVE TO NICE

SURPRISE package Nice can stretch their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to six points after Monaco could only labour to a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne.

Unbeaten Nice host struggling Nantes knowing that victory would propel them clear in the French league, with Monaco now second, ahead of Paris Saint Germain only on goal difference in what looks increasingly like a three-way title fight.

Monaco went ahead in Saint-Etienne after only five minutes yesterday thanks to centreback Kamil Glik, but the home side pulled level just 13 minutes later through defender Loic Perrin’s bullet header.

Monaco were marginally the better side without creating enough clear-cut chances.

Earlier, 10-man Lyon survived a late onslaught to earn a 2-1 away win at high-flying Toulouse with Alexandre Lacazette scoring both goals.

It was just Lyon’s fifth win in 11 league outings this season, after coach Brunio Genesio was handed an ultimatum last week by club owner Jean-Michel Aulas to notch up 31 points before the winter break or face the chop.

Last year’s runners-up now have 16 points with eight games still to come before Christmas.