Ligue 1 2017/18, PSG 2-0 Lyon: 5 talking points

PSG romped to a 2-0 win over fellow French side, Lyon thanks to two dubious own goals from Marcelo and Jeremy Morel of Lyon. However, the shine of the match was taken off by the on-field bickering of the newly formed MCN trio, in which Cavani and Neymar seemed to be at loggerheads when their side were awarded a penalty.

In fact, the home debut of Mbappe was overshadowed by these incidents.

#1 Dominant PSG continue their perfect start in Ligue 1

Despite the attacking riches available to PSG, it was an own goal that finally unlocked the Lyon defence. The first half was a blur of attacking domination albeit the goal. Neymar showed flashes of brilliance alongside his teammates Cavani and Mbappe, as he cut in from the left to fizzle a shot straight at the goalkeeper.

That aside, it was only in the second half that the pressure finally began to tell as Lyon capitulated to their own defensive lapses. PSG dominated the game and would have preferred an early goal.

Nevertheless, PSG will welcome the three points which gives them a perfect record of 6 wins out of 6 with a goal difference of +18 which puts them comfortably ahead of their closest rivals, Monaco by three points.

#2 Lyon deserved more than what they got

Lyon did well to stifle the threat of Neymar and co

In the 66th minute of the game, Lyon's dominance seemed to be on the up. However, Alphonse Areola, the PSG goalkeeper was on hand to thwart the attempts made on his goal. As he went for the cross, he found himself in no man’s land, but it was quick thinking of Thiago Silva that prevented the ball from going in as he cleared off the line.

That was not the end though as immediately, Tanguy Ndombele, taking aim, shot at the PSG goal only to see his shot rattle off the crossbar. Lyon’s manager in the build-up to the game had warned that his side wouldn’t be scared and they displayed that bravery throughout the game.

#3 Lo Celso, the game changer ahead of the MCN trio

The Argentinian was introduced after 71 minutes and had it not been for him, PSG might have dropped points for the first time this season. The South American’s close control to shake off the Lyon defence gave him the space to put in the cross, which put his side ahead. That aside, his presence gave the Lyon defence a different kind of problem.

Celso's introduction rejuvenated the MCN trio as they went in search for another goal. That said, Celso was also instrumental in being innovative on the ball as his display proved. Having come on for Julian Draxler, the Argentine was more than happy with his contribution.

Stating after the game, he said, “When I came on, I wanted to give everything to help the team. For the goal, I picked up the ball, took out the defender and then put in the cross for Edinson. It ended up in the back of the net, so I am happy.”

#4 Bickering between Cavani, Alves, and Neymar takes the shine off a hard-earned victory

Cavani and Neymar need to sort out their issues

Neymar has been termed as the “crown prince”, ever since his arrival at the French capital and on Sunday night he threw his first princely tantrum. He insisted on being handed over the ball when PSG won a penalty. Cavani, the nominated penalty taker, wouldn’t take no for an answer and as a result, some bickering ensued between the new teammates before the Uruguayan stepped up, only to see his penalty saved.

That said, there was also the instance of Dani Alves taking hold of the ball to give Neymar the opportunity to take a free-kick. While competitive discord is welcomed at times by manager, it does affect the morale of the individual players as this kind of happenings makes the player, in this case, Cavani question his position in the team.

Unai Emery while acknowledging the tension between his attackers stated, “I have told them to sort it out between themselves, I think that they are capable of doing that and that they will both be our kickers. If they cannot reach an agreement, I will decide for them. I do not want this to become a problem for us.

One hopes that the antics of Sunday are of temporary nature as the attackers have shown their ability to gel with each other despite their differences as to penalty and free kick duties.

#5 Mbappe shows maturity beyond his teenage years

In the midst of the result, Mbappe’s home debut was somewhat overshadowed. But speaking after the game, the teenager was delighted with the result and acknowledged his excitement at being a part of the PSG project.

The teenager stated, “I am enjoying myself. I am also learning a lot. I am going to develop plenty and I have a lot of work to do here. I will progress well alongside these players and staff. The club has placed its confidence in me. I am trying, little by little, to repay their faith.”

The infectiousness of the teenager will hopefully rub off on his established teammates as he looks to establish the chemistry which made him such a joy to watch last season. The youngster at times has looked blessed with turbo thrusters, such has been his acceleration. And while he wasn’t on the score-sheet on Sunday it was his run and the through ball from Neymar that split the Lyon defence.

Although his initial shot was blocked, it was his movement that created the chaos which resulted in the own goal that confirmed the result for PSG.

Edited by Amit Mishra