Ligue 1, Round 29, 02/03/23
PSG’s season continues to unravel at an alarming pace, as yet another toothless performance – lacking in any real desire or cutting edge – saw Laurent Blanc make it a winning return to the Parc des Princes as Lyon manager.
The defensive shortcomings that penalised the hosts against Rennes were once again on show in the first half – although dominant in possession, Christophe Galtier’s men were losing the ball all too easily in midfield. They were duly punished by an electric Rayan Cherki, who would ride tackles on his way to the box before feeding Lacazette and – after Amin Sarr went off injured – Bradley Barcola.
This pattern of play led to the clearest chances in the game – Lacazette was found in space on the edge of the box, cut inside, but was unable to convert. Eventually, the former Arsenal man was handed an even better opportunity, after being tripped by Donnarumma in the box – the Frenchman, though, was unable to convert. PSG would have a penalty shout of their own for a handball by Dejan Lovren on just before half-time, which was waved away.
Although Lyon have bigger fish to fry with Wednesday’s Coupe de France semi-final against Nantes, Laurent Blanc’s side were very much up for it – the heated clash between Sanches and Kumbedi, which saw both booked, the clearest example.
Eventually, PSG’s porous defence would catch up with them, as Kumbedi’s cross fizzed across the face goal, leaving Donnarumma helpless, right into the path of the onrushing Barcola for a close-range finish.
The ensuing half hour would essentially follow the same pattern – the league leaders would dominate possession, but ultimately show no cutting edge – only just staying in the game thanks to Lyon’s wastefulness in front of goal, with Moussa Dembélé now leading the attack. Rather than show any urgency to, at least, find an equaliser, the PSG attack appeared to resign themselves to the inevitability of the result, with Lyon’s backline barely breaking sweat in fending off their advances.
With two home defeats either side of the international break, what appeared to be a formality in the form of a consolation league title is no longer a certainty. Christophe Galtier’s men now only have six points on Lens and Marseille, and potentially tougher challenges still lie ahead.
PSG player ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma, 5
Achraf Hakimi, 4
Marquinhos, 5
Danilo Pereira, 6 – Often the last line of defence, winning crucial duels when Lyon cut through the PSG backline in the first half.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu, 3
Nuno Mendes, 4
Vitinha, 4
Marco Verratti, 5
Renato Sanches, 4 – A second start of the season for the Portuguese midfielder, but not necessarily one that will convince Christophe Galtier to give him more minutes – his willingness to get forward and push on was encouraging, but lost the ball all too often, leading to Lyon counters. Replaced by Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Lionel Messi, 4 – The Argentine is usually able to make up for his lack of movement with some moments of magic, but this time virtually none of his playmaking attempts came off, and his decision-making going forward was questionable at times. Lost the ball 26 times, according to L’Équipe.
Kylian Mbappé, 3 – Essentially kept out of the game by a brilliant Sinaly Diomandé – although he was able to create a few chances for himself, the Frenchman faded out of the game and was ineffectual in the second half.
Lyon player ratings
Anthony Lopes, 6
Saël Kumbedi, 6
Sinaly Diomandé, 7 – A fantastic showing from the 21-year-old, who kept Mbappé at bay in assured fashion, winning the majority of his duels and being the catalyst for many of Lyon’s counters.
Castello Lukeba, 6
Dejan Lovren, 6
Nicolás Tagliafico, 5
Thiago Mendes, 6
Johann Lepenant, 6 – A confident midfield display, keeping the ball moving along quickly and with precision as Lyon constantly pounced on their opponents’ wasteful build-up play. Replaced on the hour mark by Corentin Tolisso.
Rayan Cherki, 6
Amin Sarr, N/A – Went off injured after 20 minutes, replaced by Bradley Barcola.
Alexandre Lacazette, 6 – The missed penalty in the first half will be a blot on his copybook, but the former Arsenal forward’s overall hold-up play and understanding with attacking partners Cherki and Barcola were crucial to Lyon’s success. Tormented El Chadaille Bitshiabu with a surprisingly dynamic showing, often taking on and getting past the teenage defender.
