Monaco top of Ligue 1 after 4-0 win

Jan 22, 2017 - 10:46 PM After yet another ruthless display of attacking soccer, free-scoring Monaco moved to the top of the French league and padded out their huge goal difference following a 4-0 home win against Lorient on Sunday (Monday AEDT).

Striker Valere Germain and midfielder Gabriel Boschilia scored two goals each.

Monaco made it 64 goals in 21 league games - more than any other team in Europe's top five leagues, with 21 goals conceded - and 90 in 34 overall. It was also the ninth time this season Monaco have scored at least four goals.

"We've been scoring a lot of goals for a few games now. Obviously it is impressive," Germain said. "But we must keep working hard and shouldn't get ahead of ourselves."

Monaco have a more difficult trip away to defending Paris Saint-Germain next weekend, in a match that will help to shape the title race.

Monaco are two points ahead of Nice and three points clear of third-placed PSG heading into Sunday's clash.

"Winning in Paris would be huge, we'd strike a blow," Germain said. "We sense that Paris is not quite as good this year."

Monaco beat PSG 3-1 early in the season - the first of PSG's four defeats away from home.

Elsewhere, Lyon beat Marseille 3-1 and striker Alexandre Lacazette again showed why he is rated at around 50 million euros ($A71 million) with two more goals to take his league tally to 17.

Only PSG striker Edinson Cavani - with 20 - has scored more than Lacazette, but Cavani has played two games more.

And Angers players may have cause to feel angry when they see replays of defender Loic Perrin's winner for Saint-Etienne in their 2-1 triumph.

Perrin was challenging for a cross in the 75th minute when a defender's clearance struck Perrin on the hand as he raised his arm protectively, and the ball bounced into the goal.

Source: AAP