Kylian Mbappe starred again as Paris Saint-Germain continued their winning ways with a 4-2 victory over Stade Brest on Friday.
Paris Saint-Germain continued their excellent start to the campaign after securing a resounding 4-2 win over Brest on Friday night. The three points propel them to the top of the Ligue 1 table, although there are still two clubs that can overtake them on Saturday.
It was a dominant performance from Les Parisien, especially in the first half as they controlled possession, created chances and were imposing both on and off the ball. An early 23rd-minute goal from Ander Herrera certainly helped them dictate the match before Kylian Mbappe doubled the lead in the 36th minute.
Brest, though, kept on fighting, even pulling one goal back through Franck Honorat in the 42nd minute. The goal set the tempo for the second half, even though it was still PSG who dominated the proceedings. They were finding it much harder to break down the opposition backline.
At the end, their breakthrough came in the 73rd minute, with Idrissa Gueye restoring the two-goal cushion. But the game took another interesting turn when Steve Mounie scored again for the hosts, thus propelling hopes of a late comeback.
Unfortunately for Brest, that happened, with the hosts instead conceding a late goal through Angel Di Maria, helping the opposition seal all three points. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rank PSG’s players in this crucial victory over Stade Brest in Brittany this Friday.
Keylor Navas: 6.5/10
Keylor Navas could have done a bit better to keep out Honorat’s strike for Brest’s first goal of the night. However, the former Real Madrid shot-stopper made amends by making a few good saves in the second half, including the one to deny Pierre-Gabriel from close range. His decisive punched clearance also paved the way for his team to launch the counter-attack for the final goal.
Achraf Hakimi: 8/10
It was yet another solid performance from Achraf Hakimi. He was a constant threat down the right hand side, often giving PSG attackers an extra man in the final third. The right-back wasn’t as influential as he was in the Troyes game, but he still managed to register an assist by producing a smart flicked pass for Di Maria in the final minute.
oh my God ?
What a pass by Hakimi and what a finish by Di Maria ???
— Messaitama??? (@messaitama) August 20, 2021
Thilo Kehrer: 6/10
Thilo Kehrer’s risky pass led to the Brest counter-attack that led to the first goal. The centre-back doesn’t deserve all the blame, though, as the opposition did well to actually craft that scoring opportunity. Apart from that, Kehrer had a decent game, keeping things tidy alongside Presnel Kimpembe.
Presnel Kimpembe: 6/10
Kimpembe looked solid for the most part, offering an imposing presence at the heart of the PSG backline. He was decisive in his tackles and brought the ball forward when necessary. However, the Frenchman may have done a better job in marking Mounie for Brest’s second goal. He certainly seems to lack consistency without the support of a reliable defensive partner like Marquinhos.
Abdou Diallo: 6.5/10
Abdou Diallo had an excellent game going forward. He was a constant outlet on the left hand side, linking up with Kylian Mbappe quite well while making a few forays into the opposition area. Defensively, the former Dortmund man had room to improve as both Brest goals came from his end.
Ander Herrera: 7/10
Ander Herrera started the game positively, with his excellent volley from the edge of the penalty area resulting in PSG’s opener. The midfielder, though, could not build on that momentum. Although he still helped his team maintain control of the game, the former Manchester United star was a bit too passive in possession.
What a goal from Herrera. pic.twitter.com/82wzCtIeVT
— ? (@Ani7ii) August 20, 2021
Idrissa Gueye: 7/10
Idrissa Gueye scored an absolute stunner to restore PSG’s two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute. But apart from that, the former Everton man didn’t provide anything substantial. He sat deep in midfield, playing the ball up when necessary and kept things in check without many notable contributions.
Marco Verratti: 7.5/10
It was a pleasing sight to see Marco Verratti back in action for PSG. His silky movements, clever turns and excellent passing were a joy to watch for every fan. He was very involved in the team’s build-up play, helping them create a host of opportunities, which is a good sign for Mauricio Pochettino as he slowly starts to enjoy the return of most of his key players.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5/10
Georginio Wijnaldum was once again not too influential in the advanced midfield role. It was an average performance from the Dutchman, who avoided making any serious errors but at the same time, failed to provide any sort of creativity going forward. Certainly needs to improve his game after a somewhat slow start to his career in Ligue 1.
Kylian Mbappe: 8.5/10
Kylian Mbappe was the focal point of the PSG attack. With the midfielders appearing too passive, it was up to the Frenchman to deliver the goods in the final third. He didn’t disappoint either, notably doubling PSG’s lead in the first half with a rare headed goal.
Kylian Mbappe's last eight Ligue 1 games:
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⚽ pic.twitter.com/q1CD4OgmaZ— Goal (@goal) August 20, 2021
Emerging as a constant threat for the opposition backline with his pace and dynamism, Mbappe can certainly form a deadly attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar, once they return to the pitch.
Mauro Icardi: 5/10
It was an embarrassing game for Mauro Icardi, who couldn’t impose himself in the final third. But more importantly, he got injured late in the game trying to dive. Not a good look for the Argentine, whose time might be up as Neymar and Messi close in on their return to the pitch.
SUBSTITUTES
Julian Draxler: 6.5/10
It was a surprise to see Julian Draxler not starting the game. But he was eventually brought in during the final phase of the proceedings to add more energy to the PSG attack.
Angel Di Maria: N/A
A late replacement for Mbappe. Did not play enough to warrant a rating, despite the excellent chipped goal.
Arnaud Kalimuendo: N/A
A late replacement for Icardi. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
