Henry picks up first win as Monaco manager

Posted Sunday, November 25, 2018 by PA

Thierry Henry finally secured his first win as Monaco head coach after Radamel Falcao’s free-kick earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory at fellow Ligue 1 strugglers Caen.

Monaco, with Henry in charge of the Principality club now for almost six weeks, travelled to Stade Michel d’Ornano looking to recover from the 4-0 trashing by Paris Saint-Germain.

Falcao broke the deadlock early in the second half with a well-taken free-kick up over the wall into the top corner.

Malik Tchokounte went close for Caen, before Youri Tielemans’ free-kick smashed against the crossbar.

Caen winger Tchokounte saw a stoppage-time goal chalked off by the Video Assistant Referee, which left the hosts fuming as Monaco’s luck finally held out.

Henry’s side remain second bottom in the table, but are now just two points adrift of Normandy club Caen, who currently occupy the final position of safety.

Monaco had winger Aleksandr Golovin back in the starting XI, with the Russian showing some early intent.

Sofiane Diop sent a drive wide as Monaco continued to press before captain Falcao could not get enough on his shot in the penalty area.

As half-time approached, Nacer Chadli sent a free-kick straight at the Caen goalkeeper.

At the other end, Caen defender Yoel Armougom headed over as both sides went into the break on level terms.

Monaco, though, took the lead on 55 minutes through a fine free-kick from Falcao.

The Colmbian forward whipped the ball up over the wall and into the top-left corner past static Caen goalkeeper Brice Samba.

Caen had lost their unbeaten home record to Rennes two weeks ago – but responded with a battling point at Bordeaux.

Tchokounte looked to get the home side back on level terms, only to be frustrated by some late offside calls.

With 20 minutes left, Monaco spurned a great chance to put the result to bed when Golovin headed straight at the Caen goalkeeper.

Henry made another change late on as Samuel Grandsir replaced Chadli, looking to inject some fresh energy into the team.

Caen came close to an equaliser in the 80th minute when Tchokounte headed over from a corner.

Substitute Grandsir saw his late effort saved before Caen winger Tchokounte stabbed a close-range shot wide.

Monaco almost snatched a second in the closing moments when Youri Tielemans’ free-kick rattled the crossbar.

There was, though, still time for some more drama as first Paul Baysse’s long-range effort was saved by Monaco keeper Diego Benaglio as the ball looked set for the top corner.

Tchokounte then saw a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee as Monaco’s luck held.

Caen coach Fabien Mercadal was left fuming at the outcome, and was sent away by the referee.