Saint-Etienne avoided an eighth straight league defeat, taking the lead through forward Wahbi Khazri's 32nd-minute penalty.

Lille pressured strongly after the break and forward Jonathan Ikone equalised in the 64th, but then veteran Turkey striker Burak Yilmaz scooped a shot over for Lille when ideally placed with 15 minutes left.

Lille are two points behind defending champions PSG and lead Lyon, Monaco and fifth-place Montpellier on goal difference.

Earlier, Lyon made it nine games unbeaten when they beat Reims 3-0 at home.

Forward Karl Toko Ekambi put the home side ahead in the 21st minute when he volleyed in Memphis Depay's brilliant cross from the left. Reims midfielder Moreto Cassama was sent off 10 minutes later for fouling Depay as he was running through on goal.

Lyon had a second goal ruled out shortly after striker Tino Kadewere was adjudged offside.

Kadewere and Toko Ekambi also hit the post in a one-sided first half, and the second goal came soon after the break when Toko Ekambi set up midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The day got even better for Lyon when Moussa Dembele netted his first of the season, latching onto Toko Ekambi's pass and expertly dinking the ball over the goalkeeper in the 81st.

Monaco also won 3-0, beating Nimes with goals from Sofiane Diop, Gelson Martins and Kevin Volland.

In Sunday's other matches Metz lost 2-0 to Brest 2, Angers beat Lens 3-1, Lorient lost to 1-0 to Montpellier while Dijon defeated Nice 3-1.

PSG's 2-2 draw at home to Bordeaux on Saturday opened the door for Lille, the champions now conceding five goals from their last two matches.

Australian Associated Press