Angel Di Maria produced a match-winning performance as PSG edged past defending champions LOSC Lille on Friday.
Paris Saint-Germain got back to winning ways after securing a hard-fought and a rather controversial 2-1 win over LOSC Lille on Friday night. The three points help them retain their healthy lead at the top of the table, ahead of their upcoming Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.
Lille were by far the better side during the initial stages of the game. They were resolute at the back and barely allowed any space or freedom for the opposition attackers. The dejected PSG side looked toothless in attack without the services of their frontman Kylian Mbappe.
The scoreline did justice to the game’s dynamics when Jonathan David managed to score the opener in the 31st minute, giving Lille a first-half lead. However, an improved display from PSG in the second-half saw Jocelyn Gourvennec’s men facing a battle to keep hold of their clean sheet.
The hosts continued to pile on the pressure on Lille, eventually scoring the equaliser in the 74th minute through Marquinhos. It sparked a controversial moment in the game as the VAR opted not to penalise Mauro Icardi for his contact with Ivo Grbic. It cost Lille dearly as the rampant PSG managed to complete the comeback late in the game, through Angel Di Maria.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rank the PSG players in their win over LOSC Lille this weekend.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 8/10
Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of the top three performers for PSG on the night. He was kept busy by the Lille attackers, who managed to create multiple goalscoring opportunities. However, the former AC Milan goalkeeper was there to deny Les Dogues every time, making three excellent saves to keep his team in the contest.
What a save by Donnarumma! Yet again Di Maria is on the left side so meaning another game where Messi is bout to be limited on the right wing. Sack Pochettino already
— PRESIDER (@iam_presider) October 29, 2021
Thilo Kehrer: 4/10
Filling in the absence of Achraf Hakimi, Thilo Kehrer endured a difficult game at right-back. He was culpable of losing a one-on-one with Burak Yilmaz, who eventually provided the assist for David’s opener. He was rightly taken off around the hour mark.
Marquinhos: 6.5/10
Marquinhos was a crucial presence at the heart of PSG’s four-man backline. It was not the most polished defensive display from the PSG skipper, but he was a constant threat in the Lille box. He had at least two headers on goal from set-pieces before eventually finding the back of the net in the 74th-minute mark, albeit in a controversial manner.
Presnel Kimpembe: 6.5/10
Presnel Kimpembe looked extremely vulnerable during the early phase of the game, as he often had to deal with balls in behind the backline. It was a little too much for the centre-back, who did settle in and produced a valiant defensive effort. He notably made a goal saving block in the second half to deny Lille their second goal.
Juan Bernat: 4/10
Juan Bernat started a game for PSG for the first time since September 2020. Unfortunately, the pace of the game was simply too much for the ex-Bayern Munich left-back. He was vulnerable in possession while allowing the opposition to make inroads from wider positions time and time again. Taken off in the second half.
Nuno Mendes doesn't have to worry about Juan Bernat getting that LB position back
— Tchoumoney (@SammyCeeee) October 29, 2021
Danilo Pereira: 6/10
Deployed in the holding midfield role, Danilo Pereira remained solid with his defensive work rate. He made some rash tackles throughout the game but avoided any grave errors. Not the worst performer for PSG on the evening.
Idrissa Gueye: 5/10
Idrissa Gueye was unable to make any noted impression in the middle of the park. He offered defensive support but struggled to impose himself with his forays into the final third. It was difficult for him to move his way around the Lille press.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5/10
Wijnaldum offered more energy than other PSG midfielders. He was given a lot freedom moving forward, as he often joined the first line of press. However, the former Liverpool man was unable to make any noticeable impact on the proceedings, struggling to find any answers in the final third.
Angel Di Maria: 8.5/10
Angel Di Maria was by far the best performer for PSG, in their narrow win over Lille. The Argentine looked in good touch right from the start, finding useful passes in behind the backline while being a menace with his trickery in the final third. He was even more effective in the second-half, providing the assist for Marquinhos’s equaliser before scoring the winner late in the game.
Angel Di Maria has always been underrated. At Madrid, it was Cristiano but had it not been for Di Maria, they don't win that 2014 Champions League final. With PSG, it's Neymar and Mbappe but Di Maria's been the one showing up in big Champions League matches. A big game player.
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 29, 2021
Lionel Messi: 4/10
Lionel Messi’s struggles in Ligue 1 continued, after yet another disappointing display in the final third. The attacker looked uncharacteristically toothless in the final third, often losing possession while failing to make the most of his chances. He was subbed off at half-time by Mauricio Pochettino, although it was due to a little niggle.
Neymar: 7.5/10
Neymar had a slow start to the game. He was almost anonymous for the most part, but the substitution of Messi offered him the freedom to make his presence felt. The Brazilian showcased his flair and trickery during the final phase of the game, creating numerous chances and beating players at will. He notably registered the assist for the late winner from Di Maria.
SUBSTITUTES
Mauro Icardi: 7/10
Mauro Icardi was brought in at half-time time to offer PSG a notable attacking presence in the number nine slot. He was useful in holding on to the ball and creating layovers but was very wasteful in the final third.
Nuno Mendes: 7/10
Nuno Mendes offered more spark out wide with his pace and trickery. It improved PSG’s chance creation during the final phase of the game.
Colin Dagba: 6/10
Colin Dagba replaced Kehrer in the second-half. He looked much more solid even though it was largely due to PSG dominating the game from there on in.
Julian Draxler: N/A
A late replacement for Wijnaldum. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Ander Herrera: N/A
A late replacement for Di Maria. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
