AS Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri has cursed his team's luck in last night's 2-1 defeat at home to Valenciennes.

The Italian was left frustrated after goals from Anthony Martial and James Rodriguez were ruled out for offside, while the former also saw a penalty appeal waved away.

An own goal from Eric Abidal followed by David Ducourtioux decided the game at Stade Louis II, with the home side's only reply coming from Rodriguez six minutes from time.

"I think we started the game poorly and lacked aggression in our play," Ligue1.com quotes the 62-year-old as saying. "After that I think we played well and created a lot of chances. When luck's not on your side, then things are very difficult.

"I think the linesman must have a bionic eye to flag for an offside that was one centimetre off and not to see a penalty.

"We now need to focus on the second half of the season. We'll work hard and the most important thing for us is to forget this defeat and start again."

Monaco remain two points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain having played a game more.