Kylian Mbappe once again produced a masterclass at Paris Saint-Germain sealed an emphatic 4-2 victory over fellow title challengers Lyon.
Paris Saint-Germain regained their place at the top of the Ligue 1 table following a comprehensive 4-2 victory over Lyon on Sunday. The result was complemented by LOSC Lille’s shock defeat to Nimes, allowing the defending champions to get back on top thanks to a superior goal difference.
It was indeed a complete dominance by PSG, who made good use of their attacking quality to keep the Lyon defenders on their toes throughout the game. Especially in the first-half, Les Parisien created numerous scoring opportunities and were even rewarded with two goals from Kylian Mbappe and Danilo Pereira, respectively.
A similar story unveiled in the second half as PSG continued to dominate the game. An early goal from Angel Di Maria was enough to seal all three points for the visitors, with Mbappe adding the further gloss in the 52nd minute to make it 4-0.
The French champions, though, switched off for a second around the hour mark, allowing Islam Slimani to pull one back for Lyon. They switched off again in the 81st minute as Maxwel Cornet netted the second for the hosts, although it only turned to be a mere consolation.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their emphatic win over Lyon in Ligue 1 this weekend.
Keylor Navas: 7/10
Keylor Navas almost deserves an assist as it was his save to deny Toko-Ekambi that eventually led to a PSG counter-attack. The move transformed into Mbappe’s second goal. Aside from the save, the PSG goalkeeper had to remain cautious in between the sticks, as Lyon applied pressure in the second half. Most of his saves were routine, however.
??? Keylor Navas vs Lyon (Away) – Ligue 1 (21/03/21)#OLPSG #PSGpic.twitter.com/4f8wNwQCXg
— Hugo ❤️?? (@PARIScompsHD1) March 21, 2021
Alessandro Florenzi: 6/10
Alessandro Florenzi offered the support going forward with his forays down the flank, although by varying success. Defensively, though, the Italian had issues dealing with the unpredictable Toko-Ekambi. Also lost the duel against Cornet to concede the second goal, with the right-back being replaced by Colin Dagba shortly after.
Marquinhos: 7.5/10
Despite conceding two goals, Marquinhos had a brilliant game at the heart of the PSG backline. His ability to read the game, coupled with his tackling prowess made it difficult for Lyon to launch sustained pressure on the opposition. Not to mention, the defender notably bagged the assist for the Danilo goal with a smart header down inside the box.
Presnel Kimpembe: 7/10
It was an improved defensive display from Presnel Kimpembe, who looked solid in one-on-one duels. His defensive contributions complemented the efforts of Marquinhos as they collectively managed to minimise the influence of the opposing attackers for the most part of the game.
Abdou Diallo: 7/10
Starting ahead of Layvin Kurzawa and Mitchell Bakker, the idea behind the introduction of Abdou Diallo was to perhaps add more solidity to the PSG backline. It made sense as the defender had to deal with the likes of Tino Kaedwere and later Rayan Cherki. Had problems occasionally, but he was competent enough to see out the threat.
Danilo Pereira: 7.5/10
Operating at the base of PSG’s 4-2-3-1, Danilo Pereira offered protection to the PSG backline using his physicality and robust style of play. It was enough to disrupt the flow of the opposition and to neutralise the threat of Lyon’s creative players. The Portuguese capped off the display with a goal around the half-hour mark.
Danilo Pereira vs Lyon (A)
pic.twitter.com/JalYU3TiVX— PSG Comps (@CompsPSG) March 21, 2021
Idrissa Gueye: 7/10
Idrissa Gueye formed a solid midfield partnership alongside Danilo in the double-pivot. While the Portuguese was busy breaking up the play, Gueye’s excellent ball distribution played a key role in maintaining PSG’s dominance over the proceedings. Made way for Herrera late in the game.
Angel Di Maria: 7.5/10
In what has been a difficult week for him, Angel Di Maria produced a wonderful attacking display in the final third for PSG. He was often looking for combination play with teammates, offering dynamism and unpredictability on the flanks. His proficiency from set-pieces also served as a source of creativity for the away side, and even a goal, when his inch-perfect ball into the box evaded everyone to find the back of the net in the 47th minute.
Di Maria just scored this free kick ? pic.twitter.com/RGaCjumqY7
— Goal (@goal) March 21, 2021
Marco Verratti: 8/10
Marco Verratti made a good impression in the number ten role that allowed him the freedom to play his natural game. His delicate touches on the ball, combined with his willingness to close down the opposing ball-carrier personified PSG’s dominance on the proceedings. The Italian also bagged an assist for the fourth goal, releasing the pacy Mbappe with a perfect through ball.
Kylian Mbappe: 9/10
Kylian Mbappe was one of the best performers in this game, appearing almost untouchable at times due to his pace and trickery on the flanks. His finishing was also top-notch as the Frenchman netted twice in the game, exhibiting world-class composure and accuracy that takes his tally to 20 goals in the Ligue 1 so far this season.
However, the attacking superstar did pick up a knock late in the game and was taken off, perhaps as a precaution. PSG will be hoping that he recovers soon during the international break.
100 goals in Ligue 1 for Kylian Mbappe. 22 years old ? pic.twitter.com/1eAqvB2DFq
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 21, 2021
Moise Kean: 6/10
Moise Kean did not have the best of games despite PSG’s control of the proceedings. He often looked frustrated due to the close attention paid to him by the two centre-backs. The on-loan Everton winger also wasn’t involved in the game much, though PSG had no other option, with Mauro Icardi out injured.
SUBSTITUTES
Neymar: 6/10
Neymar made his welcome return to the pitch during the final phase of the game, replacing the injured Mbappe. Nothing too exquisite from the Brazilian, though.
? @neymarjr is back ?! #OLPSG pic.twitter.com/rWU0Y9WavF
— Ligue1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) March 21, 2021
Ander Herrera: N/A
A late replacement for Gueye. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Colin Dagba: N/A
A late replacement for Florenzi. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Julian Draxler: N/A
A late replacement for Kean. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
