Saint-Etienne boss Christophe Galtier has said that his team were "below par" after falling to their first defeat in four matches.
Les Verts' Champions League aspirations were dealt a blow following strikes from Cedric Mongongu and Yannick Sagbo, which condemned them to a 2-0 defeat at home to Evian TG.
"It was a sorry scenario tonight," said Galtier. "We conceded from a set piece and then had to play catch-up.
"We were below par in every department, a poor version of ourselves. But that's the way it is."
Saint-Etienne remain in fourth and face a trip to Valenciennes FC on Saturday.
