Nice finished 33 points behind Paris Saint-Germain last season but, after a win over the champions on Sunday , they are still challenging for the title. It is greatly satisfying for the players and the fans.
Sublime goals from Mario Balotelli and Ricardo Pereira caught the eye and young goalkeeper Yoan Cardinale was superb, but Nice are focused on the bigger picture. Nice are still all but out of the title race themselves and some will view their tumble down the table in as a weakening of their early resolve, but they are now unbeaten in 12 matches, something that would have seemed highly unlikely three months ago.
Indeed, the last time the casual observer of French football heard from Nice was probably their loss at Monaco in early February. Already out of Europe and both domestic cups at that point, the defeat completed a run of only one win in five in the league that took them from first to third. What had looked a charming story at the beginning of the season now looked to be slipping away, as the team struggled with a lack of depth against their well-heeled rivals.
Most observers thought Nice had more to worry about from Lyon, in fourth, who had a game in hand and had just signed Memphis Depay. Much of the credit has to go to Lucien Favre, who has used an ingenious variety of tactics to manage these absences.
The team started the season playing a before moving to three at the back. More recently, in the absence of Cyprien, they have moved to a Pereira, brought in as a right-back, has been used as an orthodox winger, which has allowed Seri to push further forwards. A defensive midfielder upon his arrival, the Ivorian has been a revelation this season in a more attacking role, with 10 assists and six goals.
