Ancelotti, Mbappé and Lille’s Dream Start: Lille Top Ligue 1

Lille have made a flying start to the new Ligue 1 campaign, and there is a fascinating combination at the heart of their early success: Davide Ancelotti in the dugout and Ethan Mbappé making an impact on the pitch.

Ancelotti’s Lille secured a 2-0 victory over Troyes, maintaining their unbeaten start to the league season and moving to the top of the table on goal difference.

Their opening four matches have produced an impressive 10 points from a possible 12: a 2-0 victory over Angers, a 2-2 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, a 1-0 win against Toulouse and now another 2-0 triumph over Troyes.

The latest victory also provided a perfect response from Ethan Mbappé.

The 19-year-old had endured a difficult Champions League outing against Real Betis just days earlier, receiving a straight red card for an elbow after previously assisting Ayase Ueda. Ancelotti subsequently left him on the bench against Troyes.

But Mbappé responded in the best possible way.

Introduced from the bench, he found the net in the 90+3rd minute to put the result beyond doubt and complete Lille's 2-0 victory.

For Ancelotti, it is another encouraging sign in what is becoming an intriguing first chapter at Lille. His side are unbeaten, sitting first in France, while Mbappé is continuing to develop under the guidance of an Ancelotti.

Four games. Ten points. First place. Unbeaten.

Lille could hardly have wished for a better start.