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So far, Sow good.

Here's a brief summary of the Ligue 1 table as it stands at the season's midpoint. Lille are top with a game in hand and have scored more goals than any other side. This thanks in large part to stiker Moussa Sow, the league's leading scorer with 14 goals in 18 matches. For PSG, Nenê has been almost as prolific, scoring 13 from the left-wing. PSG lie second, a single point behind Lille.

Level with PSG are miserly Rennes - who have scored and conceded far fewer goals than any of their direct rivals - and Claude Puel's resurgent Lyon. Marseille trail Lyon by just two points, suggesting that this season may soon take a familiar turn. Bordeaux complete the triumvirate of recent champions: despite a disastrous start to his time in charge, Jean Tigana has manoeuvred the Girondins into eighth place. Autumn's pace-makers St. Etienne and Brest occupy sixth and seventh respectively.

So close is the title race that a mere five points separate Lille from Montpellier, currently tenth. At the wrong end of the table, Auxerre are victims of their own success, unable to cope with the twin demands of the league and Champions League. Monaco's desperate showing is also a surprise. They're scrapping with Caen and Lens to determine which two teams are relegated alongside hapless Arles-Avignon.

Fixtures resume on January 15th.