Named in Paulo Fonseca’s starting eleven alongside Malick Fofana and Loïs Openda in an attacking trio, Nuamah wasted little time reminding supporters of what his side had been missing, converting from close range in the 20th minute to put Lyon in front.
Beyond the goal itself, Nuamah’s underlying performance data pointed to a player who lost little sharpness during his time out.
He was heavily involved in Lyon’s build-up play, completing 16 of 22 passes and carrying the ball a total of 105.8 metres, including a progressive carry that covered 25 metres on its own.
He also won three fouls and completed 7 of 12 attempted dribbles, 4 of them progressing the ball into more advanced areas.
Ernest Nuamah – Match Statistics
Attacking
Passing
On the Ball
Carrying and Progression
Nuamah was replaced in the closing stages, with Fonseca electing to manage his minutes as Lyon protected their lead.
Even so, the outing offers an early marker for the winger’s fitness and sharpness ahead of a season in which the club will be competing on multiple fronts, and it will encourage Lyon supporters who have waited more than a year to see him back among the goals.