French champions AS Monaco have maintained their hunt to retain the league title they won last season following the dominant 4-0 win they recorded at Saint Etienne on Friday night.

Goals from Djibril Sidibe, Thomas Lemar, Fabinho and Keita Balde propelled the champions to a convincing win over Saint Etienne who finished the game with 10 men after goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier was sent off.

The victory moves Monaco (38 points) to within six points of league leaders Paris Saint Germain (PSG) with 44 points as they intensify their efforts to chase down the moneybags.