Brest 2-4 Paris Saint-Germain: 5 talking points as nervy PSG go top of the table

#3 Kylian Mbappe and Ander Herrera were amongst the few positives for PSG tonight

Ander Herrera of Paris Saint Germain

While Kylian Mbappe's performance wasn't likely to show up in any post-career compilations anytime soon, what would encourage the watching PSG faithful was his willingness to partake in team moves. The Frenchman was involved in both of PSG's first two goals, opting to pass when he had the chance to go it alone.

It's a refreshing streak of generosity from a player often accused of being selfish. Perhaps it's the arrival of Lionel Messi or maybe Mbappe is simply maturing - either way PSG have more lubrication for their attacking engine.

8 - Kylian Mbappé has been decisive in eight consecutive Ligue 1 games (8 goals, 3 assists), his second best run in the top-flight, behind February-November 2020 (10). Essential. #SB29PSG pic.twitter.com/Ro86ICO3a3

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) August 20, 2021

Ander Herrera has quietly been PSG's most consistent player this season, with this game underlining his best qualities. The Spaniard was often on hand to snuff out danger, making some clever decisions as PSG's defense went walkabout multiple times.

He was impressive going forward too, thriving in midfield as he set up multiple chances with some intelligent forward passing.

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#4 Pochettino's new formation misfires

Paris Saint Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino

The 4-2 scoreline may have made it appear as though PSG's attack was purring. However, it flattered the Parisians who benefited from a couple of lucky bounces and poor goalkeeping. Mauricio Pochettino's 4-4-2 diamond formation was in fact quite boring to watch as the midfield struggled to pierce through the middle, barring Herrera.

Gini Wijnaldum offered very little at the tip of the diamond, with Brest effectively nullifying him, Marco Veratti and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Achraf Hakimi was the only player to offer width, while Diallo's attempts at offensive play often resulted in the move breaking down.

There was very little in terms of a partnership between Mauro Icardi and Mbappe, with the latter finding it easier to dovetail with Herrera and Hakimi. Perhaps this was a formation aimed at shoring up PSG's backline by adding steel to the midfield, but Pochettino's experiment was lucky to walk away with three points.

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#5 Lionel Messi's debut approaches

Paris Saint Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1 Uber Eats

Lionel Messi has been brought in to PSG for the express purpose of improving their goal output, but one could argue if they even need him. The Parisians have averaged 2.9 goals per game in their last ten league outings.

PSG have scored 2+ goals in 9 of their last 10 Ligue 1 games: ✅ Strasbourg 1-4 PSG✅ PSG 3-2 Saint-Etienne✅ Metz 1-3 PSG✅ PSG 2-1 Lens❌ Rennes 1-1 PSG✅ PSG 4-0 Reims✅ Brest 0-2 PSG✅ Troyes 1-2 PSG✅ PSG 4-2 Strasbourg✅ Brest 2-4 PSGAlmost unstoppable. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/q5vH5Q0VgX

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 20, 2021

PSG face a trip to Reims next before the international break and perhaps the club may opt to delay his debut for the home game against Clermont Foot instead.

Either way, there is plenty of excitement surrounding his eventual debut, but there is a benefit in keeping the fans waiting. PSG still have issues on the pitch to sort out, and adding Messi to the mixture before he has a chance to properly get on his team-mates' wavelength might do him a disservice instead.

Reims is hardly the setting for the debut of such a legend and perhaps it would be best to unleash him at the Parc des Princes after the international break.