Lyon edge out Saint-Etienne

Lyon have restored their five-point lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

© AP Photos

The home side had the better chances of the first half, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Renaud Cohade were both off target with their efforts.

Lyon's task was made harder just before the hour as Mouhamadou Dabo was shown a straight red card for headbutting an opposition player.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors grabbed the winner with 65 minutes played thanks to a superb free kick from substitute Michel Bastos.