What's Gone Wrong at Monaco? From First Place to Four Games Without a Win
Monaco have gone from leading Ligue 1 to four consecutive league matches without a win. Injuries and the struggles of their attacking players are helping explain their sudden decline.
AS Monaco began the 2026/27 season as one of the standout teams in Ligue 1. They won four of their first five matches, defeated Paris Saint-Germain, and climbed to the top of the standings. But everything changed after their last league victory, a 2-1 win over Lens on September 18.
Since then, Filipe Luís' side have gone four league matches without a win, drawing against Toulouse (2-2) and Lille (1-1), while losing to Lorient (1-0) and Paris FC (3-1). That poor run has dropped Monaco to seventh place with 15 points from nine matches.
The sudden decline has raised questions about a team that looked ready to compete near the top of the table. Injuries have disrupted Monaco's attack, while several key players have struggled to maintain the form that made the club so competitive last season.
Ansu Fati Suffers Another Injury
Injuries have been a major problem for Monaco, particularly in attack. Ansu Fati, who was attempting to regain consistency after months of fitness setbacks, suffered another muscle injury on October 25 against Lille.
The Spanish forward had been on the pitch for just 13 minutes when he experienced discomfort in his hamstring. Subsequent tests confirmed an injury that could keep him sidelined until January 2027, depriving Monaco of another attacking option.
Balogun Still Searching for His Best Form
It has also been a frustrating start to the season for Folarin Balogun. After scoring 19 goals during the 2025/26 campaign, the American striker entered the new season dealing with physical setbacks and struggling to regain his previous level of involvement.
So far, he has played just 114 minutes across five Ligue 1 appearances, all coming off the bench. His first league goal arrived on November 1 against Paris FC, although it wasn't enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat. Monaco need Balogun to rediscover the scoring form that made him such an important player last season.
How Can Monaco Turn Things Around?
Monaco's problems extend beyond their attack. The team have conceded 10 goals in nine league matches and struggled to respond when opponents take the lead. Against Paris FC, for example, they conceded twice before halftime and ultimately lost despite Filipe Luís making changes to his lineup.
Interestingly, Monaco are showing a completely different side in European competition. On Thursday, November 5, they defeated Nordsjælland 2-0, with goals from Mathys Detourbet and Matthis Abline, securing their third consecutive victory in the UEFA Conference League. While they remain winless in their last four Ligue 1 matches, Filipe Luís' team have a perfect European record, collecting nine points from a possible nine.
Their next opportunity to end the league slump comes on Sunday, November 8 against Le Mans. With the standings still tightly contested, Monaco have time to recover lost ground, but they need to start winning again before slipping further away from the European qualification places.
Three Factors Behind Monaco's Struggles
- The winless run: four consecutive Ligue 1 matches without a victory since September 18.
- The injuries: Ansu Fati could remain sidelined until January 2027.
- The lack of goals: Balogun has scored once in five Ligue 1 appearances.
