Brilliant Ben Arfa brings Nice victory

Ben Arfa collected possession wide on the right and skipped away from two challenges as he cut into the box before curling a shot beyond goalkeeper Clement Maury to set Nice on their way in the 14th minute at the Allianz Riviera.

Ben Arfa, who was left out of the France squad for the upcoming friendly matches against the Netherlands and Russia, then turned provider for Alassane Plea to make it 2-0 and Ivorian midfielder Jean-Michael Seri wrapped up the victory late on.

A third straight win for Claude Puel's side leaves them in the third place that brings with it a spot in next season's Champions League qualifying rounds.

They are a point ahead of fourth-placed Lyon, who beat Nantes 2-0 on Saturday, and two clear of Rennes, 5-2 winners at Marseille on Friday.

Nice also sit two points adrift of their Cote d'Azur rivals Monaco, who visit champions Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's late match.

At the bottom, Gazelec are in the relegation zone, although only goal difference separates them from Reims and the safety of 17th place.

Earlier on Sunday, Bordeaux were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Bastia in their first match since Willy Sagnol was sacked and replaced in the dugout by club legend Ulrich Rame.

Former Bayern Munich defender Diego Contento put Bordeaux ahead with only eight minutes remaining, but Bastia equalised moments later courtesy of Axel Ngando.