Sigthorsson gives Nantes narrow win over Saint-Etienne
PARIS --
Iceland forward Kolbeinn Sigthorsson silenced his detractors when he scored with 13 minutes left to give Nantes a 2-1 win over Saint-Etienne in the French league on Sunday.
Sigthorsson, who joined from Ajax Amsterdam last summer, has been criticized by Nantes coach Michel Der Zakarian for his poor performances and a perceived lack of commitment at training, with a possible move during the transfer window being discussed.
But the Icelander came off the bench and took advantage of a poor clearance from Florentin Pogba just seven minutes later to score his second goal of the season with a right-foot volley.
"Some players were below the level we expected," Der Zakarian said. "It's now up to them to show their qualities and ensure we make a better second half of the season."
Sigthorsson's goal rewarded a long spell of dominance for Nantes, which was denied the chance to extend its lead in the 86th minute. The Icleand striker headed the ball on for substitute Alejandro Bedoya, whose attempt forced goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier to save with his left foot.
The win at the Stade de La Beaujoire ended a seven-game winless run in the league and lifted Nantes to 10th place, two points behind Saint-Etienne, which slumped to a sixth consecutive away defeat.
Nolan Roux put the visitors ahead in the 14th from the spot after Nantes `keeper Remy Riou fouled Romain Hamouma in the box.
Saint-Etienne had three other chances soon after through Vincent Pajot, Valentin Eysseric and Alexander Soderlund, but their efforts were all blocked before Johan Audel equalized on the half-hour mark following a scramble in the area. Audel first hit the post but then made no mistake from close range with his second chance.
Elsewhere, Niklas Hult scored just before halftime to help fourth-place Nice to a 1-1 draw at Lille when he canceled out Yassine Benzia's opener with a deflected shot that flew over `keeper Vincent Enyeama.
Marseille's poor home form continued with a goalless draw with second-to-last Guingamp.
Sitting in 11th place in the standings, 28 points behind runaway leader Paris Saint-Germain, Michel's team has not won at the Velodrome since September.
Unbeaten domestically this season, PSG has a 20-point lead over second-place Angers after defeating Bastia 2-0 on Friday.
