On Sunday, September 3, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Lyon 4-1 in Ligue 1.
The Parisians got off to a good start, drawing each of their first two games before defeating previous season’s runners-up RC Lens 3-1. Randall Kolo Muani was also acquired from Eintracht Frankfurt in a transaction of roughly €90 million, including incentives and other stipulations.
Manager Luis Enrique picked a full-strength squad in an effort to extend the team’s winning streak.
The starting eleven for #OLPSG! 📄🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/s3V62GlhtP
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 3, 2023
The Parisians were given a gift early on when Corentin Tolisso was penalized for a foul inside the box and got a yellow card. After just four minutes, Kylian Mbappe converted the resulting penalty to score it 1-0.
PSG pressed on, and Achraf Hakimi did well to get to the ball and slide it over the line in the 20th minute. Following that, Enrique’s players held the ball and calmly waited for Lyon’s defensive structure to crumble. After a well-worked team effort, Marco Asensio scored his side’s third goal in the 38th minute.
Mbappe scored his second goal after Lyon made a costly error at the halfway line, giving the ball away.
At the half, PSG had a comfortable 4-0 lead against Lyon.
Paris lead at the break ⏸#OLPSG I 0-4 pic.twitter.com/xBGrzktHSn
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 3, 2023
In compared to the first half, the second half was a rather dreary affair, with PSG satisfied to maintain possession of the ball and knock it about. They attempted to run down the time by wearing out Lyon’s players and take advantage of it.
In the 73rd minute, Tagliafico was brought down by a tackle by Zaire-Emery, and the hosts were given a penalty. when 73 minutes, the score was 4-1 when Tolisso stood up and made up for his own blunder in the first period.
PSG hung on for a well-deserved 4-1 victory against Lyon.
PSG Player Ratings
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8.5/10
For the Parisians, Donnarumma was unmovable in goal, making seven outstanding saves.
Achraf Hakimi – 7.5/10
Hakimi’s doggedness paid off in the 20th minute as he converted a penalty kick to put PSG up 2-0. Three clearances and a stop were among the duels he won. In addition, he made two crucial passes.
Marquinhos – 8/10
The Brazilian defender was excellent, as he made five clearances, three blocks, and two tackles while winning four of his six individual duels.
Milan Skriniar – 7/10
Skriniar had a good game and was an excellent passer.
Lucas Hernandez – 7/10
Hernandez performed well on the left wing and was booked just after halftime.
Warren Zaire-Emery – 6.5/10
Zaire-Emery, who usually plays at a high level, had a bad game because he handed up a penalty late in the match.
Manuel Ugarte – 7.5/10
Ugarte contributed to Asensio’s first-period goal and had a fantastic game overall.
Vitinha – 7/10
Vitinha played well in the middle of the field and distributed the ball well. He was successful in six duels, made two vital passes, and had two attempts on goal.
Ousmane Dembele – 7.5/10
Dembele controlled the ball well, making four successful dribbles. He also won seven duels despite missing the target three times.
Marco Asensio – 8/10
Asensio added goal number three with a beautiful curling effort after the Parisians had carefully worked the ball across the pitch. He then played the role of facilitator, setting up Mbappe for his second goal of the game.
Kylian Mbappe – 9/10
In the fourth minute, Mbappe put the French team up by one with a penalty kick goal. By the end of the first period, he had scored twice, both of them being well taken goals.
Substitutes
Fabian Ruiz, Goncalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola and Cher Ndour – N/A
Due to their late arrival and short set, the foursome does not merit star ratings.