PSG opened up a 9 point lead on Sunday night with a comfortable 2-1 win over Monaco thanks to goals from Edinson Cavani and Neymar.
In the win down in the Principality of Monaco, PSG took a commanding step towards regaining control of Ligue 1. Edinson Cavani opened the scoring by delightfully lifting the ball over Danijel Subašić and Neymar gave the visitors the cushion they needed after he converted a penalty which he won himself in the 52nd minute.
The win meant that the Parisians remain unbeaten this season but it wasn’t without many missed chances throughout the 90 minutes. Mbappe was the name on everybody’s lips before kick off but things didn’t quite the way he would have wanted on the pitch.
Monaco defender Raggi was no match for the 18 year-old but the game had one of those feels about it when Mbappe failed to capitalise after rounding the Monaco keeper within the first few minutes. More chances came and went in the second half despite the efforts of his team behind, especially Verratti pulling the strings in midfield as usual, to get him on the score sheet. Cavani was also at fault of squandering opportunities, especially a free header inside the area which he couldn’t stick in the back of the net.
A bad day at the office was confirmed for Kylian Mbappe in the 82nd minute when a Moutinho free kick unfortunately deflected off his back; but it wasn’t enough for the hosts to get anything from a game which PSG dominated and could have easier had 4 or 5 if they had their shooting boots with them to Monaco.
It was not the return to the Stade Louis II the young man wanted but Draxler defiantly stepped up to the plate. His darting run into the area and quick feet made the Cavani opener and he was the standout of the PSG’s fearsome attack all night. The consistent Marco Verratti also impressed once again, making it into L’Equipes team of the week, alongside teammate Edinson Cavani.
Player Ratings
Areola (6) Dani Alves (6) Thiago Silva (7) Marquinhos (6) Kurzawa (5) Rabiot (7) Verratti (8) Draxler (8) Mbappe (5) Cavani (8) Neymar (7).
Man of the Match – Julian Draxler
Speculation of the German leaving Paris in the near future hasn’t gone away but Draxler has defiantly made his case of why he shouldn’t be sacrificed for the club to remain within the FFP rules. Another solid performance in the three man midfield got the fans purring at his football once again.
What’s Next?
PSG take on over-achievers Troyes at the Parc Des Princes on Wednesday night. Troyes currently sit in 11th place in Ligue 1 after gaining promotion back to the French first division but it looks a tough challenge for them despite the inevitable rotation coming up from Unai Emery with a minimal three day break before they go again.
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