Kylian Mbappe scored a brace once again as Paris Saint-Germain secured a vital 3-1 win over Metz on Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain moved to the top of the Ligue 1 table with a convincing 3-1 win over Metz on Saturday. The result will put a serious amount of pressure on former league leaders LOSC Lille, who must win their game on Sunday against Lyon in order to regain their place at the top.
As for PSG, they were by far the better side in this contest, dominating possession and keeping the Metz attack at bay. Although they could have done a bit better in terms of chance creation, an early goal from Kylian Mbappe was enough to hand them a 1-0 lead heading into half-time.
Metz, however, started the second half on a bright note, even bagging the equaliser in the 46th minute through full-back Fabien Centonze. It did put pressure on PSG, although the Ligue 1 giants never really looked rattled, exhibiting their quality to restore their own goal cushion through Mbappe, around the hour mark.
PSG continued to put pressure on the Metz defence, finally adding more gloss to their scoreline in the dying embers of the game when Mauro Icardi scored from a penalty. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their 3-1 win over Metz this weekend.
Keylor Navas: 6/10
Returning to the pitch after a brief injury layoff, Keylor Navas did not have a whole lot to do up against the Metz attack. Unfortunately for him, some poor defensive support saw the opposition net an equaliser out of nowhere, leading to a missed clean sheet. He was reassuring in between the sticks, though, and PSG fans will be hoping for pretty much the same against Manchester City.
Good finish to the game as it looked like Metz would PSG under the gun. Great performance in the 2nd half that should have yielded more goals. #FCMPSG https://t.co/JBbrtzF6Fg
— Marc Damon (@MarcDamon9) April 24, 2021
Alessandro Florenzi: 6.5/10
Alessandro Florenzi made the offensive runs that kept the opposition occupied whilst providing attacking support for his teammates. However, it was a largely quiet in which the full-back was not able to create too many opportunities nor show any defensive frailties during the non-possession phases.
Thilo Kehrer: 7/10
Thilo Kehrer had a decent game at the heart of the PSG backline. He worked hard to keep Aaron Leya Iseka at bay, while also making several interceptions. The former Schalke defender could not have done anything to prevent the equaliser, but it remains unlikely that he will get the nod ahead of Danilo against Manchester City.
Presnel Kimpembe: 7/10
Back into the side after a breather in midweek, Presnel Kimpembe kept things neat and tidy at the back. He marshalled the defence well, despite conceding the early second half goal. The centre-back was also quite involved in the build-up play, offering some useful vertical passes to speed PSG’s transition from defence to offence.
Layvin Kurzawa: 4/10
Layvin Kurzawa was somewhat culpable for conceding the equaliser from Metz, as he failed to mark the onrushing Centonze. The full-back, in fact, had no idea of the goalscorer. It was certainly not the best of games for the experienced defender, and it will be interesting to see whether this performance will cost him a place in the starting eleven this midweek.
Ander Herrera: 8/10
Ander Herrera’s brilliant ball to feed Mbappe for the early opener took the game away from Metz. Aside from the assist, the former Manchester United star offered a lot of work ethic in midfield, while his ability to read the game saw him make a few important interceptions. Overall provided excellent support to his teammates – a performance that should help him gain the trust of Mauricio Pochettino.
Three Metz defenders didn't stand a chance of catching Kylian Mbappe ?
Ander Herrera with the ball over the top… And then we just wait for the celebration ? pic.twitter.com/HDCHqm5QFI
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 24, 2021
Leandro Paredes: 7/10
Leandro Paredes was a vital cog in PSG’s second line of press, as he mainly tried to put pressure on the opposing ball carrier with his aggression and physicality. It was not a particularly extraordinary performance from Paredes, but the midfielder did just enough to keep his side ticking in the middle of the park.
Marco Veratti: 8.5/10
It was refreshing to see Marco Veratti back into the starting eleven and in full flow as well. The talented Italian looked extremely at the ball, effortlessly carrying the ball across half-spaces and distributing possession. He most notably created three chances in the game while threading more passes than anyone else on the pitch with an accuracy of 90%.
Veratti also looked solid in duels, making a lot of useful challenges to aid Paredes and Herrera in the second line of press. This performance is indeed a good sign for PSG as they start their preparation for the midweek clash.
? Marco Verratti vs Metz
? Touches – 127
? Key Passes – 3
? Dribbles – 4/4
? Interceptions – 4
? Tackles – 14/16
? Rating – 9.36? 14 tackles! Fourteen!
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) April 24, 2021
Pablo Sarabia: 6/10
Pablo Sarabia worked hard on the right-hand side, even getting involved in defensive actions to aid Florenzi. The Spaniard, though, should have done much better in offering more penetration going forward, as he continues to fall down the pecking order in the PSG first-team.
Kylian Mbappe: 9/10
It was yet another monstrous display from Kylian Mbappe, whose raw pace and ability to drift past defenders made him a menace for the Metz backline. The young forward showcased amazing composure to score the opening goal early on, before unleashing a rocket of a strike to bamboozle goalkeeper Alexandre Oukidja, even though the shot deflected off of Kiki Kouyate.
He was later forced out of the game with an apparent injury that could serve as a major blow for PSG.
League goals this season:
Messi + Ronaldo: 50
Haaland + Mbappe: 50— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 24, 2021
Neymar: 8/10
Neymar was immense for PSG for the most part of the game, using his trickery to keep the opposition occupied. He linked up well with Mbappe as well, providing a real threat in the final third. Should have done a bit better in terms of productivity, but it was an impressive display nonetheless.
SUBSTITUTES
Mitchell Bakker: 7.5/10
Mitchell Bakker replaced Kurzawa around the hour mark and impressed right away, offering a dynamic presence on the left-hand side. In fact, it was the youngster’s run and pass that helped PSG earn a late penalty.
Angel Di Maria: 6.5/10
Angel Di Maria looked dynamic, as ever, after coming on for Sarabia in the 65th minute mark. He tried to make things happen in the final third.
Marco Icardi: N/A
A late replacement for Neymar, who continued his scoring form by netting a late penalty. Did not play enough to warrant a rating, though.
Julian Draxler: N/A
A late replacement for Mbappe. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
