Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has taken the coveted top spot by securing an emphatic 3-0 victory against Montpellier. This commanding win not only showcased PSG’s dominance but also underscored their determination to maintain their status as a football powerhouse.
On November 3rd in Paris, PSG claimed the provisional top spot in Ligue 1, Lee Kang-in, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Vitinha scored the goals. Lee Kang-in opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game, and Warren Zaire-Emery added another in the 58th minute.
Once again, Hakimi played a pivotal role, delivering a precise cross eight minutes later that found substitute Vitinha, who confidently directed the ball into the corner of the net.
In the closing moments of the match, PSG, led by Luis Enrique, believed they had scored another goal, but it was disallowed due to an offside infringement.
With this triumph, PSG has taken the lead in the league table with 24 points, establishing a two-point gap over Nice, who will face Stade Rennes on Sunday. In contrast, Montpellier currently sits in the 11th position with 11 points.
The game began with the home team adopting a high defensive line, but PSG managed to seize the lead after only ten minutes. Hakimi supplied a low cross that Kylian Mbappe cleverly allowed to pass, setting up Lee Kang-in, who displayed composure and skill as he found the top corner of the net from the edge of the box.
This initial goal seemed to ignite PSG, with Ousmane Dembele breaking free from Montpellier’s defense shortly after, forcing a strong save from Benjamin Lecomte near the post. From the ensuing corner, Mbappe unleashed a powerful volley that narrowly missed the target.
PSG go top with 3-0 win over Montpellier https://t.co/N7yDDT0b7H pic.twitter.com/SNGFSDto1N
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 4, 2023
Following halftime, Hakimi unleashed a powerful shot that Lecomte could only parry back into a dangerous area, but Randal Kolo Muani couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity, and Montpellier managed to clear their lines.
Just before the hour mark, PSG secured their second goal when Warren Zaire-Emery engaged in a clever give-and-go with Dembele, penetrating the Montpellier box. Zaire-Emery selflessly returned the ball, allowing the teenager to fire into the roof of Lecomte’s net.
Shortly thereafter, PSG scored their third goal through substitute Vitinha, with Hakimi and Dembele combining on the right side before delivering a cross that the Portuguese midfielder converted from close range.
Dembele continued to shine and thrilled the Parc des Princes crowd when he played a delightful flick to set up Fabian Ruiz, although Lecomte pushed away the Spaniard’s shot.
In injury time, Goncalo Ramos had a goal disallowed due to an offside call. Mbappe narrowly mistimed his run to connect with Dembele’s clever ball over the top, preventing Ramos from scoring, and PSG had to settle for three goals.
Regarding the player ratings:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) – 6/10: Had a relatively quiet evening and adapted well to PSG’s high defensive line.
- Achraf Hakimi (RB) – 9/10: Excellently fulfilled both defensive and offensive duties, providing crucial assists for Lee’s opener and Vitinha’s second-half goal.
- Marquinhos (CB) – 6/10: Encountered some challenges against the physical Akor Adams but was largely untroubled.
- Milan Skriniar (CB) – 7/10: Covered effectively when Marquinhos faced difficulties and delivered a commendable performance.
- Nordi Mukiele (LB) – 7/10: Impressed on the opposite flank, making a crucial block in the early stages to maintain PSG’s level.
- Manuel Ugarte (DM) – 7/10: Effectively patrolled the midfield, allowing his more technically gifted teammates to shine.
- Warren Zaire-Emery (CM) – 9/10: Displayed youthful exuberance while playing with the maturity of an experienced player, earning his goal.
- Lee Kang-in (CM) – 8/10: Operated fluidly between the lines and on the left flank in support of Mbappe, executing his goal with precision.
- Ousmane Dembele (RW) – 9/10: Kept Montpellier’s defense on their toes with remarkable pace and skill, contributing to all three goals.
- Randal Kolo Muani (CF) – 6/10: Created space for PSG’s more direct threats by occupying Montpellier’s center-backs but had limited goal-scoring opportunities.
- Kylian Mbappe (LW) – 7/10: Played a more supporting role, adapting to the match’s pace and setting up Lee’s opening goal with a clever feint.
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